AAP Criticizes Central Government Over Fuel Price Hike Amidst Minimal MSP Increase
The Aam Aadmi Party has sharply criticized the central government for a recent increase in fuel prices, claiming it adds to the financial strain on farmers despite a minimal rise in the minimum support price for paddy. Punjab's Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, accused the government of exploiting farmers and highlighted the contradiction between the MSP increase and the fuel price hike. The party also raised questions about the government's policies and organized protests in Jalandhar against the price increases. This situation has sparked significant debate about the government's approach to farmer welfare and economic policies.
May 15, 2026, 20:10 IST
AAP's Strong Condemnation of Fuel Price Increase
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a fierce critique against the BJP-led central government on Friday regarding the recent surge in fuel prices, including petrol, diesel, and CNG. The party contends that despite a slight rise in the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy, this increase will further burden farmers and the general populace. Punjab's Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, accused the central government of exploiting farmers by raising fuel prices just a day after announcing a modest increase in the MSP for paddy. In a post on X, Cheema highlighted that the government raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per liter, while the MSP for paddy saw only a ₹72 per quintal increase. He alleged that the BJP government deprived farmers of their rightful compensation by implementing a nominal MSP hike followed by a fuel price increase the very next day.
Farmers' Income Under Attack
Describing this move as a direct assault on farmers' income, Cheema stated that the BJP's 'anti-farmer and anti-people' stance has now been exposed. The AAP also targeted the BJP by sharing an old advertisement from 2014 regarding inflation during the UPA government. In their post on X, the party questioned whether the BJP is dissatisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance and asked why an old video still exists on the party's YouTube channel if they support the current government's policies.
Protests Against Fuel Price Hike
The party further questioned if the recent hike in petrol prices indicates that the 'Modi government has itself increased the prices of petrol, diesel, and CNG' and accused the Prime Minister of abandoning the country in a crisis to travel abroad. AAP Punjab also organized protests against the fuel price increase. In Jalandhar, party leaders and local residents demonstrated against the BJP-led central government, chanting slogans and displaying placards.