Bihar Minister Thinks Petrol Price Hike Won't Affect Common Man As They Use Public Transport

Petrol and diesel prices have been on the rise since the start of this year and Saturday was the 12 straight day that saw rates go up.

As anger is mounting among the general public over the rise in petroleum prices, the central government and BJP are taking refuge under the argument that the rates are determined by the oil companies and not them.

But when some leaders try to defend the indefensible it often turns out to be indefinable and bizarre.

Case in point, BJP leader and Bihar minister Narayan Prasad who on Friday said that ordinary people will not be affected by the hike since they use public transport.

Narayan Prasad/ Facebook

Common sense not so common

"The fuel price rise is affecting privileged people and leaders of opposition parties who travel in cars and not common people," he said.

The tourism minister also went on to claim that people will soon get used to such situations.

"Common people generally become used to the situation after every budget. Common people have a habit of knowing inflation. They understand the thought behind every budget," Prasad said.

BCCL

'Partially affecting us'

Asked if he is feeling the pinch of price rise too, he said: "It is partially affecting us and so as common people. Our ministers are analysing it and they will sort out the problem."

This came just a day after another minister from another BJP-ruled state congratulated PM Modi for the petrol and diesel price hikes.

A day after Madhya Pradesh became the only second state in India where ordinary petrol cost more than Rs 100 per liter, Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must be congratulated for promoting the use of solar and electric energy and argues that this will "strengthen our control (over) oil pricing".

BCCL/ File

I want to congratulate Prime Minister... he made arrangements to control international oil prices with the use of solar energy for transportation. Modi's decision to bring electric vehicles will strengthen our control over oil pricing," Sarang said adding that the demand and supply decide oil prices in the global market. "So, if we reduce the demand we will have control over prices. This is why Modi has decided to bring in electric vehicles... we will be able to control the prices of oil," he claimed.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said he will make electric vehicles mandatory for officials of his department.

If 10,000 electric vehicles are brought into use in Delhi, then about Rs 30 cr per month spent on fuel can be saved and it will reduce pollution. I'll make electric vehicles mandatory for officials of my department:Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari

(19.02.2021) pic.twitter.com/M5d1ApT3vF

¡ª ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2021

His remarks came during the launch of the "Go Electric" campaign to spread awareness on the benefits of e-mobility and EV Charging Infrastructure as well as electric cooking in India.

"If 10,000 electric vehicles are brought into use in Delhi, then about Rs 30 crores per month spent on fuel can be saved and it will reduce pollution. I will make electric vehicles mandatory for officials of my department," he said.

Gadkari also said that electric fuel is a major alternative for fossil fuels which have an import bill of Rs 8 lakh crore.