Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had yesterday ruled out any possibility of cut in petrol and diesel price even as international crude oil pricees has plummeted dramatically from $147 per barrel and hovering around $ 53.26 per barrel.
Congress sources said that statement made by Prime Minister is most unwarranted at this time as it will have direct bearing on the voters of the poll-bound states. Such a statement could have been avoided, they said.
It is to recall that Petroleum Minister Mr Muri Deora had recently assured the parliament that price of petrol and diesel will be reduced within a week. However, later, the government back-tracked on this issue.
Government is already facing the heat of sharp criticism from the opposition over the rise in prices of essential items. The reported statement by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has further added to its woes.
The ``Aam Admi'' plank of the Congress Party has taken a sever beating with Dr Singh's reported statement, said a senior Congress leader.
However, the reported statement by the Prime Minister Dr Singh has not only antagonize the party leaders but also the ruling UPA allies.#
Election issues
Senior Congress leaders unhappy with PM
Allies are unhappy too over the statement of Manmohan Singh
Abhijit Roy Chowdhury - 2008-11-12 06:29
New Delhi: Even before voters could cast their votes in the assembly elections of six state, the blame game in the Congress Party has already begun. It is only an indication of the fear of losing electoral battle and senior Congress leaders are questioning the timing of the reported statement made by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh over the cut in petrol and diesel prices.