Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 19: Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the Centre of burdening citizens while allegedly protecting corporate interests.

The remarks came after fuel prices were increased by nearly 90 paise per litre on Tuesday, marking the second hike within a week after state-run oil companies resumed fuel price revisions following a gap of nearly four years.

In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the government was shifting the burden of its failures onto the public despite repeatedly speaking about savings and economic management.

“Robbing the common people and giving Adani a free pass from America — this is Modiji’s Compromised Model,” the Congress leader said.

Kharge’s comments referred to reports that the US Department of Justice had permanently dropped criminal charges against Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case in New York.

The Congress chief also targeted the government over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

He claimed that Modi had sought a one-month extension from the United States for permission to buy Russian crude oil and alleged that such actions hurt the pride of Indians.

Questioning the fuel price hike, Kharge asked why the common public was being burdened if the government had received permission to continue oil purchases.

“I repeat once again, there is a lack of foresight and leadership in the BJP,” he said.

A temporary US sanctions waiver for the sale and delivery of Russian seaborne crude reportedly expired on May 16. However, a senior petroleum ministry official stated on Monday that India continued purchasing Russian oil based on commercial viability and energy security considerations irrespective of sanctions waivers.

Kharge further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of prioritising politics over governance during the crisis.

“You don’t become a ‘vishwaguru’ just by doing sponsored PR abroad. Modi ji, you have to ensure accountability to the people,” he said.

The Congress president also took a swipe at the prime minister, saying the public was more concerned about government action on economic issues than personal anecdotes.

“If you respond by saying what you’re actually doing about the crisis, only then will you be called the people’s true ‘Pradhan Sevak’; otherwise, you’ll remain nothing more than a mere ‘pracharak’,” Kharge added.