Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 1 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Monday said that the latest increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, which have risen by up to Rs 42 in Delhi and Kolkata, is part of the government's ongoing efforts to curb hoarding.

Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar, who is the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief, said, 'The government takes steps from time to time to end hoarding. This is another initiative of the government in that direction.'

On allegations made by Rahul Gandhi against CBSE regarding mobile scanning-based evaluation, Rajbhar said, 'The government won't run on Rahul's instructions. Rahul wants to keep criticising the country. The government makes decisions based on what it thinks is right for the country's security, the benefit of its people, and the benefit of the country's youth and students. Decisions aren't taken on his say-so.'

Speaking on the parliamentary committee formed over the UGC-NET exam controversy, Rajbhar asserted, 'It's certain that when an issue arises, a committee is formed. The committee discusses it and thinks of solutions. The government has taken this decision and is holding the meeting.'

On the Bengal cabinet expansion, where 35 new ministers took oath, he said, 'A government has been formed, so to run it, a cabinet expansion is necessary. The expansion is happening in that line.'

Asking about the CID summons for TMC general secretary MP Abhishek Banerjee, he added, 'It's certain that the ED has taken action, and for questioning, they've summoned him. He should go and give his statement.'

Commenting on the attack on Banerjee, Rajbhar said, 'They created this atmosphere in Bengal themselves. The goons of Trinamool Congress who were there have now left, seeing their weakness as the government is gone. It's history that when a government changes, officers also change in favour of the new government, and criminals too. Both start singing the government's tune.'

Regarding the cancellation of the TMC MLAs' meeting, he said, 'They are her party's MLAs. Maybe they don't want to be with her, so they aren't going. That's also possible.'

The prices of 19 kg commercial cylinders have been increased by Rs 42 in Delhi, bringing the price to Rs 3,113.50, according to sources, while in Kolkata, the price of a cylinder will now be Rs 3,255.50.

The new prices will be effective from today.

The prices of 5 kg FTL (Free Trade LPG) cylinders have been increased by Rs 11, and will cost Rs 821.50 in Delhi. There is no change in domestic cylinder prices.

This comes amid a global energy crisis in the wake of the West Asia conflict. The Union Petroleum Ministry has maintained that India has sufficient stock of petrol, diesel, LPG, and natural gas inventories. (ANI)