Chandigarh, June 3
The Congress National General Secretary, Former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that the policies of the BJP-led Central Government have continuously increased the burden of inflation on farmers, labourers, employees, traders and ordinary consumers. She said that while the government had promised to double farmers’ income, the reality today is that the cost of cultivation is rising steadily, forcing farmers into economic distress.
Selja said that repeated hikes in diesel, petrol and domestic LPG prices have already disrupted household budgets across the country. The increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices has imposed an additional financial burden on small businesses, hotels, restaurants and other service sectors. This has directly impacted the prices of goods and services, further fuelling inflation. She further said that the recent increase in fertilizer prices has added to farmers’ worries.
Selja stated that the Congress believes farmers are the backbone of the Indian economy. She urged the Central Government to provide relief to farmers through effective control of fertilizer prices, adequate subsidies and concrete measures to reduce agricultural input costs. She added that the Congress has consistently raised issues concerning farmers, workers and the common people and will continue to strongly voice concerns over rising inflation and the agrarian crisis.
Selja, who is also Uttarakhand Congress In-charge has been stationed in Uttarakhand for the past three days, closely monitoring preparations for the proposed June 4 visit and public rally of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Almora. Selja has been holding a series of meetings with senior Congress leaders, office-bearers and party workers to review event arrangements, public outreach campaigns and organisational preparations. She also issued necessary directions to ensure maximum public participation and the successful conduct of the programme.
