Mustard oil price hike sparks uproar

A recent decision by the Haryana Government to raise the price of mustard oil for Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya card holders has sparked strong criticism across the state. The price of mustard oil, which was earlier Rs 20 per litre, has now been increased to Rs 50 per litre.

Many political leaders and parties have come forward to oppose this decision. Congress leader and Kalanwali MLA Shishpal Keharwala called the hike “anti-people” and said it was a direct attack on the rights of the poor. In his statement, he said that the government, which claimed to work in the public interest, had shown its real face. He added that this decision would add more pressure on families already suffering from inflation. He also reminded people that the same government had earlier increased electricity prices. According to him, the government’s slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” is just a cover-up, and in reality, only the rich benefit.

Ashok Buwaniwala, Chairman of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee’s Industry Cell, strongly condemned the government’s move. He called it “inhumane”. He said the move would deeply affect around 48 lakh poor families who relied on the Public Distribution System (PDS) for their daily needs. He also criticised the government’s justification that the poor didn’t need more than a litre of oil per month. Buwaniwala said this showed the BJP government did not treat the poor as human beings but as a burden.

Buwaniwala further pointed out that in the past three months, about 4.78 lakh families were removed from the BPL list. Many of these families are extremely poor, but were shown as owning cars or other assets in the government records something he called “digital fraud.” He said this is far from the ground reality. In March, there were 52.50 lakh families on the BPL list. Now, there are 47.72 lakh. Buwaniwala demanded that the government reduce the oil price back to Rs 40 for 2 litres and revise the BPL list honestly. He also demanded that eligible families who were removed unfairly should be added back to the list.

Jasbir Singh Jassa, District President of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), also criticised the government. He said this sudden hike was a heavy burden on poor families. He added that while the government claimed to support the poor through welfare schemes, in reality, it is increasing their suffering.

Ashok Verma and Amar Singh Jiyani of the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) also expressed anger. They said the price hike is like making fun of the poor. They also raised concerns for ration depot holders, who now have to collect Rs 100 from poor families for oil but receive no profit. Depot owners are also required to pay the department in advance and often receive their commission only once in five to eight months.

Haryana Tribune