BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
The issue of rising prices once again echoed in the political corridors of the country as Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party, along with party Members of Parliament, staged a protest on March 10 against the government led by Narendra Modi. The protest focused on the growing burden of inflation on ordinary citizens, particularly the sharp rise in potato prices and the emerging shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
For many families and individuals across the country, inflation is no longer just an economic term, it has become a daily struggle. Students living away from home, migrant workers, and salaried employees who depend on affordable meals from small eateries or food stalls are among the worst affected. Akhilesh Yadav highlighted this concern in a message posted on his X account, questioning the government’s silence over the issue.
Yadavpointed out that the shortage of commercial cylinders is not merely a supply problem but one that could soon affect the availability of food for thousands. Restaurants, roadside food vendors, and small kitchens rely heavily on these cylinders for cooking. If the shortage continues, the ripple effects could be felt far beyond the kitchen. He also warned that the modern food ecosystem, cloud kitchens, food delivery startups, and supply chains, could face serious disruptions.
Even sectors connected with travel and hospitality may experience difficulties if the gas supply situation worsens. Calling for transparency, the Samajwadi Party leader urged the government to clearly inform the public about the availability and supply of all types of gas cylinders. According to him, timely information would allow people and businesses to prepare alternative arrangements before the situation becomes more severe.
Raising a broader concern, Akhilesh Yadav questioned why ordinary citizens should bear the consequences of what he described as policy failures. As inflation continues to dominate public discussions, the issue has now become another flashpoint in the ongoing political debate over the economic challenges faced by the common people.
