BJP banks on LPG subsidy to gain ground in poll states

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prepping for electoral battles in five states later this year, is hoping the Cabinet's decision to slash prices of cooking gas by 200 will blunt anger over price rise and take the sting out of the Opposition's criticism of the government's inability to tame inflation.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved cost reduction of LPG cylinders used for cooking by 200. The reduction will amount to 400 for those eligible for subsidised cylinders under the PM Ujjwala scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X (previously Twitter) that it will bring comfort to "my sisters and make their lives easier." 

The BJP had been mindful of complaints about high prices of cooking gas and the impact it has on the middle class and economically weaker families, particularly in the urban areas, and had relayed the concerns to the government, party leaders said on condition of anonymity.

"Women will benefit from the increased subsidy in cooking gas.

The government has been working steadily to reduce the prices of essentials and edible goods, whether it is pulses or vegetables, since it impacts a large section of people," a leader aware of developments said.