Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 16: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) has strongly criticised the central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that citizens are being pushed further into inflationary pressure. The remarks were published in the party’s mouthpiece Saamana.

In its editorial, the party claimed that the Rs 3 per litre fuel price hike exposed what it called the “suppressed truth” about inflation, alleging that the timing of the increase came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP-led state governments had urged citizens to conserve fuel.

The Thackeray faction alleged that fuel price concerns were kept under control until elections in five states concluded, accusing the government of avoiding unpopular decisions during the electoral period. It further claimed that earlier assertions by the ruling party about insulating India from global disruptions had now been contradicted by the price increase.

The editorial also criticised what it described as post-election policy shifts, alleging that appeals for austerity and concerns over foreign exchange reserves were suddenly emphasised after the conclusion of the electoral cycle. It argued that these developments reflect a change in the government’s stance on economic stability and inflation management.

According to the piece, rising fuel prices, along with increases in essential commodities such as milk, are expected to trigger broader inflationary effects across food and transport sectors, potentially impacting household budgets.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) also claimed that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region continue to influence global energy markets, adding that India is not immune to their effects. It further argued that recent price movements highlight the challenges in managing external economic shocks.

The party concluded its remarks by questioning the government’s handling of global crises and their domestic impact, asserting that inflationary pressures are becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to bear.