“Petrol and Diesel Prices Are Decided Based on Electoral Gains” — Vinod Kumar Pandey
JMM Accuses Central Government of Politicizing Inflation, Taxes, and Ration Cuts
Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government regarding petrol and diesel prices, rising inflation, a weakening economy, and the cancellation of ration cards.
He stated that petrol and diesel prices are not determined on economic grounds, but rather with an eye on “electoral gains.” Describing Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s recent statement as an attempt to mislead the public, he asserted that the BJP’s “electoral oil policy” has now been completely exposed.
“Prices Remained Stable for 137 Days During Elections”
Vinod Kumar Pandey noted that in 2022, when crude oil prices in the international market soared to $115 per barrel, petrol and diesel prices were not hiked for 137 days—specifically during the assembly elections held in five states.
He alleged that subsequently, when crude oil prices dropped to the range of $75–80 per barrel, the public was not provided relief in a proportionate manner.
“Even the ₹2 Cut Was an Electoral Decision”
The JMM General Secretary stated that the reduction of ₹2 per liter on petrol and diesel—implemented just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections—proves that the BJP government’s decisions are dictated by electoral considerations, not market dynamics.
He raised the question: if state-run oil companies like Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL collectively earned a profit of approximately ₹81,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24, then why was a claim of “under-recovery” made?
“₹38.89 Lakh Crore Collected in Taxes Over 10 Years”
Vinod Kumar Pandey alleged that, since 2014, the central government has collected approximately ₹38.89 lakh crore through taxes levied on petrol and diesel. The burden of this taxation has fallen directly upon the common people. He stated that, over the past 10 years, the BJP government has utilized fuel prices not as an economic policy tool, but rather as a political weapon.
“The Public is Distressed by Inflation and a Weak Economy”
The JMM leader remarked that the persistently rising inflation and the surge in gold prices across the country are indicators of economic instability. According to him, as public confidence in the Rupee and the economy wanes, people are increasingly viewing gold as a “safe asset.”
He alleged that the BJP’s economic policies have undermined the savings, employment opportunities, and purchasing power of the common people.
Criticism of Ration Card Cancellations
Raising the issue of ration card cancellations in Bihar and West Bengal, Vinod Kumar Pandey asserted that the BJP is engaging in a brand of politics aimed at depriving the poor of government welfare schemes.
He further alleged that, in Jharkhand as well, a conspiracy is being hatched to snatch away the rations of the poor, tribal communities, indigenous inhabitants, and other needy sections of society.
The JMM General Secretary declared that his party would not tolerate any assault on the rights of the poor, emphasizing that every needy family is entitled to rations, social security, and the right to live a life of dignity.
