New Delhi, May 15: The Delhi BJP on Friday criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for making statements regarding the partial increase in petrol prices, claiming that these remarks are making them a subject of ridicule. The BJP accused AAP of misleading the public about the global impact of oil prices due to the Gulf conflict.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Shankar Kapoor stated that while a one rupee increase in petrol and diesel prices is bound to cause discomfort to the common citizen, every citizen understands that this hike is a result of rising international oil prices, which the Indian government has managed to keep at a minimum level.
Kapoor further remarked that AAP’s Delhi convenor Saurabh Bhardwaj lacks an understanding of international issues. He suggested that if AAP leaders had conducted even a little research, they would know that petrol is priced at ₹105 per litre in New York and ₹92.50 per litre in Moscow when converted to Indian currency. Bhardwaj should clarify how oil purchased from Arab nations, the US, or Russia could be cheaper for India.
In response, Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the central government of reducing the purchase of cheaper oil from Russia under pressure from the United States, which has led to rising petrol and diesel prices in the country.
Bhardwaj pointed out that there has been a recent increase of ₹3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices, with more hikes expected in the future. He claimed that this is just the beginning and that the common public may face further inflation in the coming days.
He alleged that India is currently operating under US pressure, which is affecting the citizens directly. He highlighted the contradiction in the government’s appeal to the public to reduce foreign travel and refrain from buying gold to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, while big industrialists continue to invest heavily abroad.