Nagpur: The Indian National Congress staged statewide protests against the recent increase in LPG prices, with Maharashtra unit president Harshwardhan Sapkal demanding an immediate rollback of the hike and a policy statement in Parliament by PM Narendra Modi.The demonstrations were held in multiple districts, including Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Wardha, Buldhana, Gondia, and Palghar. Protests were also reported in towns such as Tiroda, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Dharashiv, Rajura in Chandrapur district, and Panvel. The party said the agitation would continue until the govt addressed concerns over rising fuel prices and ensured adequate supply of LPG cylinders.Addressing a protest at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district, Sapkal said the 60 increase in LPG cylinder prices pushed ordinary citizens deeper into inflationary pressure. He attributed the rise to what he described as “wrong policies” of the Central govt. “Instead of citing war as a reason and burdening the people, the govt must immediately roll back the LPG price hike,” Sapkal said, urging the PM to hold discussions with all stakeholders.Sapkal alleged that the country was facing both rising prices and supply shortages. He said small businesses such as hotels and eateries were also struggling due to difficulties in obtaining commercial cylinders. tnn
