Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge likens repeated fuel hikes to ‘slow poisoning’

As compressed natural gas (CNG) prices were increased again on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Narendra Modi government of subjecting people to “slow poisoning” by repeatedly increasing fuel prices. Mr Kharge said the public had become aware that the government was “incompetent” to solve any problems.

Speaking to reporters outside his official residence, Mr. Kharge said rising fuel prices, inflation and unemployment had fueled widespread anger against the Centre, but the government remained indifferent to the hardships faced by the poor.

“This is Modi-ji‘s tactic… a kind of slow poisoning to kill poor people. They always keep increasing prices little by little, but when prices increase by ₹10-12 in just a week, it’s Modi’s-ji does not want to pay attention to these issues and instead pushes the country towards destruction,” Mr. Kharge said.

“At the same time, he says that he did everything for the nation, made sacrifices, worked for the nation. But the people here are victims. What will happen if inflation continues to rise like this, unemployment continues to increase, factories are closed, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and small industries are forced to close?” The Congress leader said.

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