New Delhi, May 1: Congress leaders have intensified their criticism of the central government over issues of inflation and unemployment. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, targeted the government regarding the significant increase in commercial gas cylinder prices, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised serious allegations concerning employment and the condition of workers.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Rahul Gandhi stated, “I had warned that inflation would rise after the elections. Today, the price of commercial gas has increased by ₹993. This is the largest hike in a single day. This is an election bill. Since February, there has been an increase of ₹1,380. This is an 81 percent rise in just three months.”
He further added, “The burden has increased on the kitchens of tea vendors, roadside eateries, hotels, bakeries, and sweet shops, and this will also affect your plate. The first strike is on gas, the next will be on petrol and diesel.”
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge attributed the rising unemployment in the country to the policies of the central government. He claimed that the current situation is a result of the ‘us two-our two’ policy. Kharge accused the government of implementing anti-labour codes, leading to unrest in various places, including the IOC in Noida, NTPC in Patratu, and the Samsung factory in Sriperumbudur.
He stated that the new labour code promotes contract labour and ‘hire and fire’ policies instead of job security, thus necessitating a review. Kharge also alleged that the government has effectively dismantled the MGNREGA scheme and shifted 40 percent of the wage burden onto state governments, making it difficult for them to provide employment.
He noted that due to government policies, many people are being forced into gig work, with approximately 69 percent of individuals earning less than the minimum wage. Furthermore, he highlighted that in the past decade (2014-15 to 2022-23), the annual increase in workers’ income has been less than 1 percent.
Additionally, he raised concerns about the increasing unemployment among educated youth, pointing out that nearly 3 million government positions remain unfilled. He also mentioned that privatization of public enterprises has led to job losses and harmed the MSME sector.
During this period, the Congress party put forth five major demands for workers, including the revival and expansion of MGNREGA to urban areas, setting a minimum wage of ₹400 per day, implementing a ‘Right to Health’ law, providing insurance for unorganised workers, and reviewing the new labour code to halt the contracting system.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
