Sanjay Raut criticises Narendra Modi over LPG shortage, says PM focused on polls

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding election rallies in southern states while he alleged the country faces concerns over shortages of commercial LPG cylinders and disruptions in the energy supply chain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict reported news agency ANIAddressing a press conference in New Delhi Raut accused the Centre of failing to adequately address the issue and demanded a broader discussion on how the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel could affect Indiarsquos energy security reported ANIRaut questions PMrsquos focus amid LPG shortage concernsSpeaking to reporters Raut questioned the Prime Ministerrsquos priorities claiming that the government should focus on addressing supply disruptions and rising concerns among businesses and consumersldquoWhere is our Prime Minister He is carrying out election campaigns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu And the words he is using against his opponents do not suit the stature of the Prime Ministerial positionrdquo Raut said reported ANIHe further alleged that the Centre had not sufficiently addressed the impact of the West Asia conflict on the supply of LPG petrol and dieselldquoYou are not discussing the impact of the IranIsrael conflict You are not talking about the LPG shortage petrol and diesel shortage This situation is creating fear among people Hotels and restaurants are shutting down The Modi government has not said anything on thisrdquo the Shiv Sena UBT leader said reported ANIRaut also described the situation as unfortunate stating that the country needed strong leadership during a period of global instabilityPM addresses West Asia conflict during Tamil Nadu rallyThe remarks from Raut came shortly after the Prime Minister addressed public meetings in southern India ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala and Tamil NaduDuring a rally in Tiruchirappalli PM Modi spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its potential impact on global energy supply chains He emphasised that his government prioritises the interests of Indian citizens in responding to international developmentsldquoToday I would like to speak to the people of Tamil Nadu about the conflict in West Asia It has affected the whole worldrsquos energy supply chain We believe in the ideology of India Firstrdquo the Prime Minister said reported ANIHe also urged people not to panic or believe rumours about shortages of fuel and cooking gasGovernment steps in to prioritise domestic LPG supplyReports of shortages of commercial LPG cylinders have surfaced in some regions following the escalation of conflict in West Asia which has affected global shipping routes and fuel logisticsIn response the central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise the supply of LPG for domestic consumptionAccording to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas domestic LPG production has been increased by about 25 per cent and the entire domestic output is now being directed towards household consumers to ensure uninterrupted supplyControl room monitoring energy supply situationThe Ministry of Home Affairs has also strengthened its control room which is currently operating round the clock to monitor the evolving energy supply situationOfficials said the government is keeping a close watch on the impact of geopolitical developments on Indiarsquos fuel supply and is coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that essential commodities remain available across the countryAuthorities have also appealed to citizens not to spread or believe unverified information related to shortages stressing that measures are in place to maintain stable fuel supplies despite the ongoing global disruptionsWith inputs from ANI