Guwahati : Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday criticised the Narendra Modi-led Central government over the recent increase in fuel prices, LPG cylinder rates and essential commodities, alleging that the burden of inflation was imposed on citizens immediately after the completion of Assembly elections in five states.

In a statement, Gogoi said he had earlier warned that price hikes would follow once the elections were over and claimed that the prediction had now “come true word for word”. The Congress leader described the recent rise in prices as a reflection of the government’s “economic failure” and termed it a “post-election gift” for the people.

According to Gogoi, the prices of several essential goods and services have risen sharply in recent days. He cited a Rs 99 increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, a Rs 261 hike in 5-kg cylinders, a Rs 2 per litre rise in milk prices, and a 15 per cent increase in import duties on gold and silver.

He also referred to a Rs 3 hike each in petrol and diesel prices, a Rs 2 increase in CNG rates, a 38 per cent rise in tomato prices, and a 2 per cent increase in the cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

Gogoi alleged that despite large-scale election campaigns and attempts to project austerity measures after the polls, the government could not conceal what he called its failure to control inflation.

He said ordinary citizens in Assam and across the country were being forced to bear the burden of rising living costs at a time when household expenses were already under strain. Calling the situation unfortunate, the APCC chief urged the Centre to take immediate measures to provide relief to the public from inflation and escalating prices of essential commodities.