Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi on Tuesday strongly criticised the BJP and the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing them of creating “false narratives” around Eid al-Adha and religious issues to divert attention from inflation and rising fuel prices.
Speaking on the political debate surrounding Eid and prayers on roads, Pratapgarhi dismissed claims about Muslims offering namaz on streets as “baseless” and accused the BJP of indulging in divisive politics.
“Who offers namaz on the streets? The Bharatiya Janata Party should stop creating useless narratives,” he said.
He added that Friday prayers usually take place between 1 pm and 2 pm, questioning the practicality of people praying on roads during extreme heat.
“In this scorching heat, who will stand on the road and offer prayers? This is a false narrative. BJP should stop this dirty politics and tell people what work is being done in the name of development,” Pratapgarhi said.
Congress Raises Concern Over Inflation and Fuel Prices
The Congress leader also attacked the Centre over rising petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG prices, alleging that the government avoided increasing rates during elections but raised them once polling ended.
“When state elections were happening, the crisis still existed. The Hormuz issue was there even then, but petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG prices were not increased,” Pratapgarhi said.
He alleged that after the elections concluded, the government increased fuel prices to recover “election expenses.”
“As soon as elections ended, the Modi government raised prices by nearly ₹10 in two consecutive weeks. It is difficult to say where these prices will stop,” he claimed.
‘No Satisfactory Reply’ From Petroleum Ministry
Pratapgarhi further said concerns over fuel prices were recently raised during a Parliamentary Committee meeting, of which he is a member.
“Committee members asked many questions to the Petroleum Ministry, but no satisfactory answer was given,” he said.
He alleged that when crude oil prices were low, large industrialists benefited, while ordinary citizens are now being forced to bear the burden of rising prices.
“When crude oil was cheaper, big businessmen benefited. Now that there are some difficulties, the public is being burdened,” he said.
Congress MP Questions Government Over SIR Data
The Congress MP also questioned the government over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demanded data on how many alleged infiltrators had been identified through it.
“The BJP only does politics on this issue as well. SIR happened in Bihar, but how many infiltrators were found? Does the government have any data, or is it only election speeches?” he asked.
