Fuel Price Hike Sparks Congress Protest, Leaders Detained

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — Anger over rising fuel prices erupted on the streets of Patan just days after Gujarat’s local body elections concluded, as the Congress launched a fierce protest accusing the BJP government of burdening citizens with inflation. The demonstration quickly escalated into a road blockade at Siddhpur intersection, forcing police to detain several leaders and workers — signalling the start of what the opposition says will be a wider agitation across the district.

Road blockade and detentions after rally

A large number of Congress office bearers, corporators and workers gathered at the Patan District Congress Office before taking out a protest rally through the city. Chanting slogans such as “Reduce inflation” and “BJP Teri Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi,” protesters marched to Siddhpur intersection and staged a chakkajam (road blockade), disrupting traffic.

Police intervened soon after the blockade intensified and detained several leaders, including District Congress President Ghemar Desai and City President Deepak Patel. The detained workers were taken to the police station as authorities cleared the traffic congestion.

The protest marks the first major political agitation in the district following the local elections.

Congress accuses BJP of post-election price shock

During the protest, Congress leaders launched sharp attacks on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Gujarat, alleging that the fuel price hike was deliberately timed after elections.

District Congress President Ghemar Desai said,”“The BJP government fooled people during the local elections and immediately after the results, it has gifted them a steep price hike. The common and middle class are devastated by inflation and unemployment.”

He warned that if fuel prices are not brought under control, the party will intensify its protests.

“If the government does not roll back the hike, Congress will take to the streets with more aggressive agitation.”

Farmers and common citizens under pressure

Congress leader Kanji Desai linked the fuel price rise to the struggles of farmers and rural communities.

“Farmers and common people are suffering because of rising petrol and diesel prices. The Prime Minister promised to double farmers’ income, but today farmers are struggling. Patan farmers have not even received compensation after drought.”

He added that the party is fighting for both farmers and the public facing rising living costs.

AAP joins criticism of fuel policies

Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Italia also targeted the BJP government, claiming fuel-saving “stunts” were replacing real reforms. He said systemic changes could save billions worth of fuel, instead of passing the burden onto citizens.

Threat of statewide agitation

Following the protest and detentions, Congress leaders warned that Patan could be the starting point of a larger movement across Gujarat. The party has threatened district-wide public agitation if fuel prices are not rolled back soon.