Daijiworld Media Network - Buldhana

Buldhana, Mar 13: The impact of the international conflict is being felt by the people of Maharashtra, as the central government raised cooking gas cylinder prices by Rs 60, sparking widespread anger. Commercial cylinders have also increased by Rs 150 in the past week, pushing prices close to Rs 1,900. In response, the Congress party staged protests across all districts of Vidarbha on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to government policies.

In Chikhli, a symbolic funeral procession of gas cylinders was held near the tehsil office, while women party officials and workers performed a symbolic act of placing flatbreads on stoves to protest both the price hike and shortages. Congress district president Rahul Bondre criticized the central government, saying, “Decisions taken by the U.S. are shaping our country’s policies. Despite anticipating the war, the government failed to plan properly. This highlights how flawed their policies are.”

Protests were also held at the taluka level, and when the tehsildar refused to accept a memorandum, workers staged a gherao (siege) outside the office. The demonstrations saw participation from Ramabhau Jadhav, Atharuddin Qazi, Ambadas Waghmare, Zakir Sheikh, Sangita Gadekar, Vidya Deshmane, Khalil Bagwan, Ashok Padghan, Pandurang Bhutekar, and other party officials and workers.

During the protests, Congress questioned the government’s so-called “achche din” (good days), highlighting how the gas price hike is straining household budgets, particularly affecting women who manage domestic kitchens. The party accused the government of insensitive policies that burden ordinary citizens while claiming to support women.