“BJP’s inflation mantra is chanting Jai Shri Ram,” Sanjay Raut quips.

Senior Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising inflation, fuel prices, and unemployment in the country. Speaking on Tuesday, Raut accused the BJP of ignoring the struggles of common people while focusing on slogans and political messaging. Taking a sarcastic swipe at the ruling party, Raut remarked that if BJP supporters chant “Jai Shri Ram,” petrol and diesel prices would supposedly fall by ten rupees. He mocked this as the BJP’s “mechanism and mantra” for controlling inflation. According to him, the government is trying to divert public attention from real issues such as unemployment, household expenses, and the rising cost of living by promoting emotional and religious slogans. Raut said that ordinary citizens are finding it difficult to manage their homes and daily expenses due to continuous price hikes. He questioned the silence of BJP leaders who, in the past, staged protests against inflation by carrying gas cylinders and onions on the streets. Referring to former BJP leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Smriti Irani, he asked why similar protests are no longer being seen despite fuel and commodity prices increasing. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that people are now being told to tolerate inflation in the name of patriotism. He added that opposition parties and activists would continue organizing protests, marches, and demonstrations to highlight the hardships faced by the public. Raut also commented on India’s oil trade with Russia and remarks from the United States regarding the matter. In a sarcastic tone, he said he saluted America for what he described as its “kindness” toward India. Overall, Raut’s remarks reflected the opposition’s continued criticism of the BJP government over inflation, rising petrol-diesel prices, and unemployment, while accusing the ruling party of using political slogans to shift focus away from economic challenges faced by citizens.