*Coalition govt fuels price loot, essentials soar under Chandrababu rule*

Tadepalli, March 26: YSRCP MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar slammed the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government, using the West Asia war as an excuse to create artificial shortages and inflate prices of essential commodities, pushing common people into distress. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, he said LPG cylinders priced at Rs. 965 are being sold in the black market for as high as Rs. 3,000, while the government has failed to deliver its “Super Six” promise of three free cylinders per year. Instead, he said, people are being forced to resort to alternatives like induction stoves or firewood, reflecting the government’s inability to ensure basic supply.

He further stated that cooking oil prices have surged sharply, with palm oil rising from Rs. 95 to Rs. 140 per litre, sunflower oil to Rs. 168, and soybean oil to Rs. 162, placing a heavy burden on households. He alleged that the price rise is driven more by profiteering by ruling party leaders than by global factors. Highlighting the plight of horticulture farmers in Rayalaseema, he said banana, mango, and onion farmers are suffering due to halted exports to Arab countries, while 47 mango pulp units in Chittoor district are on the verge of closure without any government intervention.

Arun Kumar noted that Andhra Pradesh now records the highest petrol prices in the country and questioned why leaders like Nara Lokesh, who once criticised fuel prices, remain silent in power. He criticised the government for failing to press the Centre for gas supply and price control measures and for not even conducting review meetings despite rising costs impacting hotels and small businesses. He asserted that there is no real war situation in the state, but only exploitation by coalition leaders that is extinguishing the common man’s kitchen. He also stated that the government is avoiding Legislative Council sessions out of fear that opposition parties would expose irregularities and debts in the name of Amaravati, clarifying that YSRCP is not against Amaravati but against corruption and injustice to farmers carried out in its name.