Tripura Congress Attacks Modi Government Over Inflation, Fuel Price Hike and Economic Crisis
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
- May 20, 2026
- 594
Tripura Pradesh Congress held a press conference on Wednesday at Congress Bhawan, sharply criticizing the Central Government over rising inflation, fuel price hikes, economic distress and the impact of recent international conflicts on common citizens.
Party leaders alleged that the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, which came to power in 2014 with promises of economic growth and employment generation, has now pushed the country into a severe financial crisis. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders claimed the government is now asking citizens to adopt austerity, reduce spending and prepare for sacrifices because of economic mismanagement.
The Congress leaders said India’s economic indicators were stronger in 2013, citing foreign exchange reserves, industrial growth, foreign investment and employment-oriented development. They questioned why the Centre is now advising people to cut expenses despite repeatedly projecting India as a strong global economy.
Congress Raises Concern Over Iran War Impact
The party said that since the beginning of the Iran conflict on February 28, 2026, the Congress has repeatedly warned the Centre about its possible impact on India’s economy, foreign policy and the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to the Pradesh Congress, the Centre failed to take diplomatic initiatives to stop the conflict and also ignored calls for an all-party meeting to address possible shortages of fuel, fertilizer, medicines and food products.
Congress leaders alleged that instead of acting responsibly, the BJP government focused on “propaganda and hiding the reality.”
Sharp Attack Over Fuel Price Hike and Inflation
The party claimed that the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders, medicines, fertilizers, edible oil, vegetables, fish and eggs have increased abnormally, making life difficult for common people, especially in economically weaker states like Tripura.
Congress leaders pointed out that petrol prices were recently increased by Rs 3 per litre and again by 90 paise, while the income of ordinary people has not increased.
They stated that rising fuel prices directly impact transportation costs and trigger price hikes in all essential commodities.
The party further alleged that despite claims of losses by oil companies, government data showed state-owned oil companies earned profits of Rs 33,575 crore during the 2024-25 financial year. Congress also accused the Centre of imposing nearly 55 percent tax on petrol and 50 percent tax on diesel.
Congress Questions Government’s Economic Policies
The Pradesh Congress alleged that the government had concealed the country’s economic crisis, shortage of foreign exchange reserves and the weakening value of the rupee long before the ongoing war situation.
The party criticized the Centre for asking people to reduce the use of cooking gas, edible oil, private vehicles and even gold purchases, while government expenditure on foreign visits, campaigns and elections continues.
LPG Cylinder Prices Highlighted
The Congress also highlighted the steep rise in LPG cylinder prices over the years.
| Year |
14 Kg Cylinder |
19 Kg Cylinder |
| 2005 |
Rs 295 |
Rs 685 |
| 2013 |
Rs 410 |
Rs 1,110 |
| 2014 |
Rs 414 |
Rs 1,241 |
| 2025 |
Rs 853 |
Rs 1,580 |
| 2026 |
Rs 913 |
Rs 3,072 |
Congress Criticizes Ujjwala Yojana
The party also targeted the Centre over the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Congress leaders claimed that although crores of women initially received free LPG connections and stoves under the scheme, the rising cost of cylinder refills has forced many poor families to return to traditional wood-burning stoves.
According to the party, beneficiaries who once purchased cylinders for Rs 450 to Rs 550 are now paying around Rs 750 or more.
Concern Over Gold Industry
The Congress also opposed the government’s appeal to reduce gold consumption, claiming that more than three crore people are associated with the gold trade and jewellery industry.
The party said small traders make up nearly 90 percent of the jewellery business and warned that government policies could harm small shopkeepers while benefiting large corporates.
Congress leaders demanded withdrawal of additional duties on gold and called for a special package to protect small traders and workers associated with the sector.
Criticism of Tripura Government
The Pradesh Congress also criticized the BJP-led state government in Tripura, accusing it of failing to control rising prices of essential commodities.
The party termed symbolic austerity measures such as bicycle rides, auto-rickshaw photo opportunities and work-from-home instructions for government employees as “drama” that does not solve public suffering.
Congress Demands Immediate Relief Measures
The party demanded immediate withdrawal of additional taxes on petroleum products, LPG and essential commodities. It also called for emergency subsidies, strict measures to control inflation and an end to what it termed “anti-people policies.”
At the end of the press conference, the Pradesh Congress appealed to democratic-minded citizens across the state to unite against the Central and State governments and raise a collective voice to protect the livelihood, rights and future of common people.