3,841 LPG cylinders seized in Chhattisgarh; 97 FIRs filed during anti-hoarding drive
Raipur (PTI): The authorities in Chhattisgarh have seized 3,841 LPG cylinders from 335 locations across the state during the past more than two weeks as part of a crackdown to prevent hoarding of cooking gas, officials said.
The action was reviewed during a high-level meeting on Saturday chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to assess liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) availability and streamline the distribution system amid concerns arising from the West Asia conflict.
The chief minister directed authorities to closely monitor the stock and supply of cooking gas and petroleum products, and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering.
He emphasised that ensuring timely delivery of essential services remains the government’s top priority and urged citizens not to panic.
In a post on X, the chief minister said, “In view of the prevailing situation in West Asia, a review meeting was held today at the Chief Minister's residence with senior state officials, Commissioners, Inspectors General (IGs), and District Collectors to assess the availability and supply mechanisms of petroleum products, LPG, and essential commodities.”
He said that adequate availability of essential goods, petroleum products, and cooking gas has been ensured across Chhattisgarh.
“The supply chain remains completely smooth and normal, and no shortages of any kind will be allowed to occur,” the CM said.
Officials have been directed to closely monitor stocks and the supply of cooking gas and petroleum products, and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering, he said.
Delivering timely services to every citizen of the state remains our utmost priority. The people of the state need not harbor any concerns whatsoever, he added.
Officials informed in the meeting that raids were conducted at 335 sites across the state. While no black marketing was confirmed, action was taken on reports of hoarding, leading to the seizure of 3,841 cylinders and the registration of 97 FIRs, the release said.
In the meeting, Sai said that “thanks to the visionary and sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country remained united and successfully confronted even a challenging situation like COVID-19”, according to the release.
He clarified that while the current situation does not resemble the COVID-19 period, it remains essential to stay vigilant. There is no shortage of petroleum products, gas cylinders, or fertilizers in the state, he said, stressing that citizens should not pay heed to any rumours.
Sai also said that the Centre has assured the states of an uninterrupted supply of essential goods in light of the West Asia situation.
A state-level control room has been set up to monitor the situation, and similar facilities will be established in all districts. Officials have been instructed to regularly review supply conditions and ensure accurate information reaches the public to counter misinformation, Sai said.
The CM ordered strict vigilance at border check-posts, with monitoring of LPG cylinder and fuel transport. Petrol and diesel are not to be sold in containers to the general public, except for authorised essential services, he said.
Sai also directed that uninterrupted gas supply be ensured to hospitals, hostels, educational institutions, railways, government establishments, defence and paramilitary units, social welfare institutions, and airport canteens, according to the release.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel said in the meeting that consumers can report issues related to domestic LPG supply, complaints, or hoarding through a toll-free number, and efforts are being made to widely publicise it for quick grievance redressal.
Officials from oil companies, including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, informed during the meeting that there is no shortage of LPG or petroleum products in the state and that supply and online booking systems are functioning normally, the release said.
During the meeting, instructions were issued to maintain continuous vigilance over news reports concerning the supply of gas, petrol, and diesel. As misleading reports could trigger panic, it was directed that immediate cognizance be taken of such news to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public.
Instructions were also given to closely monitor social media and to maintain regular dialogue with media representatives, the statement said.
During the meeting, officials also informed that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state.
The chief minister issued directives to curb the hoarding of fertilisers and to conduct regular reviews of daily stock levels.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam and other senior state officials also attended the meeting, it said.
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Karnataka BJP MLA Suresh Kumar refuses IPL tickets, slams ‘VIP culture’
Bengaluru (PTI): Calling the decision to allot two IPL tickets to MLAs “VIP culture”, senior Karnataka BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar on Saturday said he does not want them.
He expressed surprise that the government was eager to make such an announcement just 24 hours after the discussion in the Assembly.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Friday that the KSCA had agreed to provide two tickets per MLA for the IPL match on March 28 at the city’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
IPL 2026 kicked off here with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
Shivakumar had met officials of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, which manages the stadium, a day after legislators across party lines raised the issue in the Assembly regarding improper ticketing and seating arrangements at the city’s premier venue.
During the discussion, Speaker U T Khader had asked the government to ensure that every MLA receives four VIP tickets for matches at the stadium.
Kumar also wrote to the Speaker on Saturday, declining the IPL match tickets.
"As per my conscience, I politely decline to accept any IPL match ticket or pass issued by the government or the KSCA. Therefore, please do not issue any ticket or pass in my name," he said in his letter.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, responding to a reporter’s question in Mysuru about Kumar’s stand, said, "If someone does not want the tickets, that is fine. Whoever wants to watch the match can go."
When asked whether discussing IPL tickets for MLAs in the Assembly was appropriate, he said, "Tickets were given by the KSCA to MLAs and MLCs in the past as well. Even now, they are giving tickets—this time, instead of one, they have been asked to give two. That’s all."
The CM said he would try to attend the match if time permitted. "It won’t be possible until April 9 due to the by-elections," he added.
Earlier in the day, Kumar said in a statement, "The state government, led by Siddaramaiah, claims to be socialist. It is truly surprising and unfortunate that VIP culture continues even under the rule of this self-proclaimed socialist CM."
"Oh, I forgot! When RCB won the IPL last year, we all saw how this same ‘Samajwadi’ chief minister took his grandson to the victory stage built in front of the Vidhana Soudha," he added, taking a dig at the government.
Referring to the Assembly proceedings on March 26, he said a non-partisan discussion unexpectedly began on the Chinnaswamy Stadium, IPL matches, and MLAs allegedly being denied tickets and respect.
"I wanted to intervene and speak, but I was surprised that the Speaker himself joined the discussion, so I restrained myself," he said.
"The question being asked everywhere after the Assembly session is whether legislators discuss the problems of the common people or focus on the facilities, privileges, status and honours they desire," he added.
The former minister noted that following the stampede incident in June last year—in which eleven people were killed outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations—the Assembly had held discussions in which many expressed anger and grief.
"However, today, in the same Vidhana Soudha, there is an intense discussion about tickets for the same IPL matches, along with demands for respect. This has further increased public contempt for politicians," he said.
"We all call ourselves public servants, and it is surprising that ‘VIP culture’ is being rewarded today," he added, citing media reports that each MLA would be given two tickets for the upcoming IPL match.
"This is definitely not the right decision," he said.
Also expressing surprise at the government’s eagerness to make such an announcement within 24 hours of the Assembly discussion, Kumar said people were questioning how quickly matters concerning MLAs are addressed.
"In this context, I humbly refuse the passes or tickets that I have learnt, through the media, are being given to MLAs. To put it bluntly, I do not want those tickets," he said.
"We should all remember that the more we continue to promote this ‘VIP culture’, the smaller we, as politicians, will appear in the eyes of the common people," Kumar added.
