"Every Vote for BJP Is Vote for Costly Fuel’: AAP targets Centre ahead of MC Polls
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 25, 2026: Senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that rising fuel costs have pushed farmers, traders and middle-class families into deeper financial distress ahead of the paddy sowing season.
Addressing a press conference, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said repeated fuel price hikes over the last 10 days had exposed the Centre’s failure to control inflation. He claimed petrol and diesel prices had increased by nearly ₹8 per litre during this period, adding that higher diesel prices would directly impact farmers during the ongoing paddy season.
Cheema alleged that the Centre’s economic policies were benefiting large corporate houses while burdening common citizens with inflation. He also said rising commercial LPG and aviation fuel prices were increasing transportation and business costs across the country.
AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said higher fuel prices would increase farming and transportation expenses, ultimately affecting prices of vegetables and essential commodities.
He linked the issue to the upcoming Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council elections in Punjab, claiming voters would respond against the BJP’s policies.
AAP Punjab State Media In-Charge Baltej Pannu questioned what achievements BJP leaders had to seek votes in the local body elections amid rising inflation and fuel prices. He alleged that increased diesel prices before the paddy season would add financial pressure on farmers.
AAP leader and Adampur Halka In-Charge Pawan Tinu also criticised the BJP over rising petrol, diesel and commercial LPG prices, stating that inflation had severely impacted middle-class and poor families.
The AAP leaders urged people to give a “strong response” against inflation and anti-people policies during the upcoming Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections scheduled in Punjab on May 26.