Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Apr 15: Condemning the steep rise in cooking gas prices and alleging the failure of the BJP-led central government, the Dakshina Kannada District Youth Congress Committee staged a protest on Wednesday near Kadri Circle.

In a symbolic demonstration to highlight the plight of the common man, protesters carried out a mock funeral procession, placing a garlanded empty LPG cylinder on a stretcher. They also displayed a gas stove and empty utensils to signify the impact of rising fuel costs on households.

Addressing the gathering, former minister Ramanath Rai accused the central government of failing to maintain a steady supply of cooking gas. He stated that the continuous increase in the prices of essential commodities has made life difficult for the public. Rai further alleged that an inconsistent foreign policy has contributed to the current economic situation and urged the public to hold the authorities accountable for misleading claims.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, who also spoke at the event, claimed that LPG prices in the black market have surged to as high as Rs 4,000–5,000 per cylinder. He pointed out that this has led to a significant hike in food prices at hotels and eateries. He added that auto-rickshaw drivers are also struggling due to the acute shortage of LPG. D’Souza criticised the prime minister for the situation, calling the administration's response ineffective.

Presiding over the protest, District Youth Congress president Ibrahim Nawaz stated that the agitation would be intensified in the coming days if the prices were not reined in.

Youth Congress leaders 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 participated in the protest.