Amid long queues at petrol pumps in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal criticized the BJP-led governments for the fuel crisis. The regional party accused the government of making common people wait in queues for hours, likening it to the demonetization era. The BJD leaders blamed the state Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department for the fuel shortage, calling it a result of the BJP government’s ineffective governance.
Biju Janata Dal Vice-President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma highlighted the discrepancies in the government’s claims about fuel availability. He stated that while the government denied any issues, the reality on the ground told a different story. Das Burma criticized the government for focusing on celebrations rather than addressing the pressing fuel crisis affecting the entire state.
The recent Rs 3 per litre hike in fuel prices further burdened the people, according to Das Burma. He pointed out the lack of coordination between government officials, with conflicting statements on fuel stock availability. The BJD spokesperson, Lenin Mohanty, accused the BJP of failing to fulfill its promises on reducing fuel prices and criticized the recent hike as a move to protect oil company profits.
The opposition Congress also joined in criticizing both the state and Union governments for the fuel crisis and the price hike. They echoed similar concerns raised by the BJD regarding the mismanagement of the situation.
