Govt will find out ‘political cost’ of fuel price hike at the right time, warns Sharad Pawar

Kolhapur: NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar warned govt that it will understand “the political cost” of repeated fuel and LPG price hikes, after the recent Rs 29 increase in domestic LPG cylinder rates pushed costs higher for consumers.

Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur on Sunday, Pawar hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The Centre is hiking the prices frequently. They started with Rs 2 hike, and now prices have reached this far. This hike has affected the livelihoods of the common man. The Prime Minister had initially said that he is keeping inflation under control, but it seems that administering the shock of increasing prices step-by-step may be his formula to bring inflation under control. The people in power will understand the political price of increasing prices of fuel and LPG at an appropriate time,” said Pawar.

In Kolhapur, a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 941.5 following Sunday’s hike.

However, in Nagpur, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the Centre. He said many factors, including global conflicts, have driven fuel prices up everywhere, but the Prime Minister has taken steps to contain the rise. In Nagpur, Fadnavis told reporters: “Everyone knows that due to a war-like situation, there is no single country in the world where the prices of fuel have not gone up. Despite this, the PM has worked to contain the prices, but such things will certainly continue to be discussed. We have seen earlier that the prices do come down. As the situation demands and availability increases, the prices will also come down.”

Repeated sugar cane crop renders land unproductive

During his visit to Shirol tehsil, Sharad Pawar also raised concerns over repeated sugar cane cultivation affecting soil productivity.

“I saw the effects of frequent cultivation of sugar cane today. Dutta Shirol factory is working on how to stop the fields turning unproductive due to frequent sugar cane cultivations,” he said.

Mahayuti leaders praise Pawar

Pawar addressed a function organised by a cooperative society at Shirol. At the event, functionaries of the Mahayuti parties praised Sharad Pawar’s contribution to the cooperative sector. Cooperation minister Babasaheb Patil credited Pawar for his political journey.

“Sharad Pawar had blessed me. He helped me stand in politics. Because of the Pawar family, a farmer’s son could become cooperation minister,” said Patil.

BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik said he shortened his tour to attend Pawar’s visit and recalled Pawar’s support in his early career.

“At just 34 years of age, despite there being tall political leaders in the party, Sharad Pawar gave me a Lok Sabha ticket and helped me become an MP. He helped my sugar factory not just to expand, but also to inaugurate the cogen plant. Sharad Pawar is a fine example how a leader gives strength to workers,” said Mahadik.

Sharad Pawar condoles passing away of eminent historian

In Kolhapur, Pawar also visited the family of historian Jaysingrao Pawar, who passed away in March, and offered condolences after being unable to attend earlier due to ill health.

“He interacted with family members and condoled them. Asked them how he can help the family and help continue Jaysingrao Pawar’s work through any means. The family gifted Sharad Pawar the autobiography of Jaysingrao Pawar,” said a local leader.