The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over the acute shortage and sudden price hike of domestic LPG cylinders triggered by the conflict in West Asia. During a press conference at TMC Bhavan, State Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and spokesperson Tanmay Ghosh blamed the Centre’s “lack of planning” for the crisis. They highlighted that despite the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel, no preemptive measures were taken to stockpile gas, resulting in a ₹60 price hike and a grueling 25-day waiting period for refills.

To safeguard the interests of Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee has ordered that gas produced at refineries in Haldia, Kalyani, and Durgapur must not be sent out of the state until the local supply stabilizes. The administration is also prioritizing Mid-Day Meals and ICDS centers to ensure school kitchens remain functional. Comparing the current scenario to the chaos of Demonetization and the COVID lockdown, Tanmay Ghosh remarked that the BJP govt has once again forced common citizens into long queues. Furthermore, the TMC leaders criticized PM Modi’s upcoming Brigade rally on March 14, coinciding with Nandigram Diwas, labeling it as mere “political optics” ahead of the state elections.