Some Ministers and Congress leaders have criticised the Union government over the hike in domestic gas cylinder prices.Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has said that the Union government is unconcerned about the well-being of the common people.“It is clear that the Modi government does not care about the people. The NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been increasing the price of fuel and gas cylinders repeatedly without a thought that it will make people suffer,” he said.He told reporters in Vijayapura on Sunday that the BJP has always followed anti-people policies. BJP leaders are going around saying that price hikes are inevitable due to international developments.“But when the price of crude oil was low in the international market, did the government take steps to pass on the benefits to the people by reducing the prices or taxes? No. Even then, it had kept the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas high. That is why, we are saying it is not right to increase the price again now,” he said.“When the Congress government was in power at the Centre, we ensured that the people were not burdened by various methods, including introducing government bonds. Now, the price hike is sure to burden the people apart from affecting the country’s economy,” he said.To a query, he said that there is nothing wrong with the protest of the Cockroach Janta Party members and supporters.“In a democratic system, everyone has the opportunity and right to protest. They are protesting with good intentions. So let them protest,” he said.Minister Eshwar Khandre has expressed anger against the Union government for increasing the price of a 14.2 kg cooking gas cylinder for domestic use by ₹29.The price of domestic gas used by the common man has been hiked for the second time in the last three months and the burden has risen. Due to this, the poor and middle class have been left in a state of shock. All this is the result of the mismanagement of the Central government. BJP leaders took to the streets to protest against UPA government even when increase in the price was by ₹3-₹4. Where are they now? Why are they now keeping their mouths shut? Where has their concern for the poor gone now?” he said.The former Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar has expressed outrage over the Union government’s decision to increase the price of cooking gas.“On the one hand, the price of essential commodities is increasing day by day and on the other, by increasing the price of cooking gas, the BJP government at the Centre has put further financial burden on the middle class, the poor and housewives,” she said.“The direct impact of the increase in the price of gas cylinders falls on the household budget managed by women. Such decisions are anti-people measures at a time when ordinary families are struggling to meet their daily expenses. People have already been affected by the increase in petrol and diesel prices. A few days ago, the Central government increased the price of commercial cylinders. As a result, the prices of hotel snacks, meals, tea and coffee have increased. Now, the price of cooking cylinders has been increased. What will happen to the lives of the common people?” she said.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who earlier claimed that the Congress will snatch the Mangal Sutra of women, is now bent upon snatching the lives of the poor. The Central government should immediately withdraw this price hike decision and provide relief to common families,” she demanded. Published - June 07, 2026 08:15 pm IST