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Loot votes, then kick where it hurts, says TMC targets Centre over fuel price hike
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticised the BJP-led central government over a ₹3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel, calling it a continuation of a political narrative after elections. The price rise, the first in more than four years, followed elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and was framed with calls for VAT adjustments in Bengal.
Why It Matters
The move highlights how fuel price policy intersects with politics in India, with opposition voices tying price changes to electoral mandates. It also raises questions about state VAT strategies in response to central policy.
Timeline
2 Events
Petrol and diesel price hike and political reaction
May 15, 2026
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticised the Centre, saying, 'First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable.' He questioned whether the Bengal government would reduce VAT on petrol and diesel now that there's a Delhi-controlled government which doesn't have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre. The article notes that fuel prices vary across states due to differences in VAT.
Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
April 29, 2026
The article notes that assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal concluded. This is presented as occurring 16 days before the Friday price hike.