New Delhi, May 20 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government, alleging that rising fuel prices, shortages of cooking gas cylinders, inflation, unemployment and looming agricultural distress were pushing the country towards a severe economic crisis.
In a statement, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby claimed that people across the country were being forced to depend on the black market for cooking gas cylinders because of shortages, while repeated fuel price hikes were driving up the cost of essential commodities.
“There is a shortage of gas cylinders, and hence no option but to rely on the black market. Fuel prices have been hiked twice, and it is expected that more hikes will follow. This is already being reflected in the prices of essential goods,” Baby said.
He further alleged that the Indian rupee had fallen to its “lowest level ever” and described it as “the worst-performing major currency in the world,” arguing that declining purchasing power and shrinking employment opportunities were worsening the economic burden on ordinary citizens.
“There are fewer jobs, and hence fewer sources of income. The things you need to buy cost more, but the money in your wallet is worth less,” he said.
Raising concerns about the agricultural sector, Baby said the possibility of below-average rainfall coupled with a looming fertilizer shortage could further intensify the crisis for farmers. He accused the government of failing to respond adequately to the emerging situation.
“Now, with rainfall expected to be below average and a shortage of fertilizers looming, the government is doing nothing except asking farmers to cut their usage of fertilizers. Things are reaching a breaking point,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader also criticised Prime Minister over remarks regarding poverty, alleging that the government was unwilling to address economic hardships faced by people within the country.
“Prime Minister Modi talks about the ‘return of massive poverty’ while abroad, but refuses to take any action to tackle the issue at home,” Baby said.
He further alleged that the Centre’s domestic and foreign policies were designed to benefit a select group of corporate interests at the expense of workers, farmers and small traders.
“The truth is that the genesis of the present crisis lies in the domestic and foreign policies pursued by his administration. Policies that are designed solely to favour the Adanis, Ambanis, and Trumps will veritably go against the interests of workers, farmers, and small traders,” he said.
Calling on the government to take urgent corrective measures, Baby said the Centre could not continue attributing the situation solely to a broader “energy crisis.”
“Modi cannot hide behind the ‘energy crisis.’ Put the interests of the people first and ACT NOW!” he added.
The remarks come amid continuing political debates over inflation, fuel prices, unemployment and rural distress, issues that opposition parties have repeatedly raised against the Centre in recent months. UNI SKA AAB