New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) The Congress on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the rising prices of domestic gas cylinder and overall inflation and called for special session of Parliament to discuss the issue.
Addressing a press conference here, All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba asked the government to "release a white paper" on inflation.
Lamba said, "In 2014, prices of domestic cylinder was Rs 414, and it included a government subsidy. But now, with the subsidy removed, the price of cylinder has risen to Rs 1,103. We want to ask - BJP had promised to provide gas cylinders for Rs 450 in Rajasthan. where is promised that cylinder?"
Stating that the Congress is holding protest across the country against inflation, Lamba said, "Tired of inflation, women are joining us in the movement. In many states including Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Haryana, Puducherry we have taken to the streets and have voiced our concerns against inflation".
On the fuel prices, Lamba said that the prices of petrol in 2014 was Rs 72 per litre but has now increased to Rs 98 to 100. The price diesel has increased from Rs 55 to Rs 88 per litre.
"During the Congress government the excise duty on petrol was Rs 9.20 but today it has increased to Rs 19.90. The excise duty on diesel was Rs 3.46 which has increased to Rs 15.80," Lamba said.
She informed that from April 17-19, she herself will be a part of the protest against inflation in Bihar.
Lamba accused the government of "looting the public for the benefit of corporates" claiming the motive was to collect donations from profit-making companies into the BJP's funds".
She further called for a "CAG audit" to determine whether the BJP is involved in this or not.
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