Mangaluru: Protesting against the sharp rise in cooking gas prices, the Dakshina Kannada District Youth Congress Committee staged a demonstration near Kadri Circle on Wednesday, drawing attention to the growing burden on households and small businesses.
In a symbolic act aimed at highlighting the plight of the common man, party workers carried out a mock funeral procession. A garlanded empty LPG cylinder was placed on a stretcher, accompanied by a gas stove and empty utensils, representing the difficulties faced by families struggling to afford basic cooking fuel.
Leaders criticise Centre over price rise
Addressing the gathering, former minister Ramanath Rai strongly criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of failing to ensure a steady and affordable supply of cooking gas. He said the continuous rise in the prices of essential commodities has significantly impacted the daily lives of citizens.
Rai further alleged that inconsistent foreign policy decisions have contributed to the current economic challenges, indirectly affecting fuel availability and pricing. He urged the public to hold authorities accountable, claiming that people were being misled about the real reasons behind the price hikes.
LPG shortage and black market concerns raised
MLC Ivan D’Souza, who also spoke during the protest, highlighted concerns over an alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in the region. He claimed that prices in the black market have surged to as high as ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per cylinder, putting immense pressure on consumers.
According to him, the rising cost of LPG has had a cascading effect on the local economy. Hotels and eateries have reportedly increased food prices, while auto-rickshaw drivers who depend on LPG are finding it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
D’Souza criticised the Prime Minister and the central administration, describing their response to the issue as ineffective and inadequate in addressing public concerns.
Protest may intensify in coming days
Presiding over the protest, District Youth Congress president Ibrahim Nawaz warned that the agitation could be intensified if the government fails to take immediate steps to control LPG prices and ensure adequate supply.
He stated that the Youth Congress would continue to organise demonstrations to amplify the concerns of the public and press for corrective measures.
Participation of party leaders
Several Youth Congress leaders and members took part in the protest, including state secretary Abhinandan Harish, district vice presidents Basheer and Suneeth Desai, and leaders Farooq Perne, Asif Bajal, Samarth Bhat, Prithviraj, Melvin, Chetan, Mahesh, and Prajwal.
The protest remained peaceful, with participants raising slogans and displaying placards demanding relief from rising fuel costs.
Conclusion
The demonstration at Kadri Circle reflects growing public discontent over rising LPG prices and their impact on daily life. With opposition leaders vowing to intensify protests, the issue is likely to remain a key point of political and public debate in the coming weeks.