Kharge slams PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' as 'one-sided podcast'; accuses Centre of 'robbing public’ over petrol prices

NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused PM Modi's government of refusing to lower petrol and diesel prices despite a steady decline in crude oil costs.
Kharge pointed out that even though global crude prices have fallen by 34% since May 2014, petrol and diesel prices in India have stayed the same, putting a strain on the common people.
Taking to X on Monday, Kharge criticised the BJP-led government for "robbing the public fearlessly" and engaging in an "oil game" that fuels inflation. He questioned why fuel prices had not been reduced, pointing out that the government had collected Rs 36 lakh crore in fuel taxes over the past decade.
"Modi Ji only tells his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to the public through long one-sided podcasts… By engaging in the oil game, they make us cry tears of inflation!" Kharge posted, directly targeting the PM's weekly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat'. He further demanded to know how long the BJP would continue "collecting ransom from the public."

Petroleum minister hails the passage of the Oilfields Amendment Bill
Amidst Kharge’s attack, union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the government’s approach, highlighting the recent passage of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha. Puri said the amendments would strengthen India's energy sector by ensuring policy stability, international arbitration, and extended lease periods.
He pointed out that earlier, one million square kilometres of India's sedimentary basin was a "No Go" area, leading to increased import dependence. By opening these areas for exploration, the government has encouraged investment, with 76% of oil prospecting and exploration activity now focused in these newly available zones. "This has sent positive signals to prospective investors," Puri said.
The new oilfields bill replaces the previous mining lease system with a petroleum lease, covering exploration, prospecting and production. Penalty for violations has also been raised from a Rs 1,000 fine or six months imprisonment to a Rs 25 lakh fine. The central government retains control over lease regulations and terms.