Koppal (Karnataka), April 4 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and JD-S leader, H.D. Kumaraswamy, referring to the criticism by Congress over the LPG gas crisis, said on Saturday that as compared to past crises, India has not witnessed major disruptions in the supply chain of essential commodities and cautioned against politicising the issue.

He was speaking to media representatives after attending the inauguration of a Sainik School sanctioned to the Sri Krishnadevaraya Educational Institution at Hosahalli EJ Camp in Sindhanur.

Referring to the current oil crisis, Union Minister Kumaraswamy said it was not a problem created by India but a result of conflict in the West Asia region.

He emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has been managing the situation efficiently, ensuring uninterrupted supply of oil to the country despite global challenges.

He criticised leaders of the Congress government in Karnataka for targeting the Central government while simultaneously imposing taxes on fuel used by auto drivers.

He demanded that such taxes be rolled back and that, in line with the five guarantees already announced in Karnataka, a sixth guarantee be introduced for the auto drivers.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy also accused the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attempting to derive political mileage during a time of crisis, saying that the Central government was effectively managing a difficult global situation marked by war-like conditions.

He urged Karnataka Chief Minister to announce a sixth guarantee scheme for auto drivers in the state.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy said that the Congress-led state government should respond to the demands of auto drivers in Karnataka.

He noted that auto drivers are demanding a monthly support of Rs 15,000 in Karnataka and urged the state government to consider their request.

He said that since several welfare schemes have already been extended, the Karnataka government should act with dignity by introducing a sixth guarantee specifically for auto drivers.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy asked how the Congress would have handled such a situation if it were in power at the Centre and advised against unnecessary criticism.

Senior JD-S leader Chandrashekhar and several NDA leaders from Koppal district were present on the occasion.

–IANS

mka/khz