PM Modi has imposed an ‘undeclared lockdown’ through inflation: CM Mann attacks Centre over fuel price hike
Babushahi Bureau
Patna/Chandigarh, May 18, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed an “undeclared lockdown” on the country through rising inflation and economic pressure on the common people.
The remarks came during Mann’s visit to Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib in Patna, where he paid obeisance before interacting with the media.
Targeting the Centre over the latest fuel price hike, Mann alleged that the BJP-led government deliberately kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged during the election period and increased rates immediately after the polls concluded.
“Till the elections were underway, the Central government did not increase fuel prices even by a single paisa. But as soon as the elections ended, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by nearly Rs 3 per litre, directly burdening the public,” he said.
The Punjab Chief Minister claimed that the Modi government was now trying to shift responsibility for the increase by blaming international conflicts and the Gulf situation.
“Moodi government is breaking the pot of price rise on the head of the Gulf war and international conditions to hide its own failure,” Mann said, adding that the issue was not merely due to global developments but reflected the Centre’s “economic mismanagement and failed policies.”
He alleged that the burden of inflation was being borne mainly by poor and middle-class families, with rising fuel costs leading to higher prices of essential commodities and daily-use items across the country.
Mann further said that the current economic situation has created conditions similar to an “undeclared lockdown,” where people are struggling under financial stress despite normal economic activity continuing on paper.
Following Mann’s statement, political reactions over fuel prices intensified once again, with indications that the Aam Aadmi Party may launch a broader campaign against the Centre’s economic policies in the coming days.