- 16 hours ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers to assess the impact of the West Asia conflict on India’s fuel supply and inflation.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Good evening, you're watching To The Point. I'm Preeti Chaudhvi. Let's cut across to the latest news break that is
00:05coming in right on top.
00:07The Prime Minister is chairing the meeting with Chief Ministers. The virtual meet to assess the war impact has begun.
00:15It remains to be seen what is the outcome of this meeting. Prime Minister to access the preparations done by
00:22each state because there will be economic implications.
00:25There are global implications already. We do have shortage in terms of LPG. However, not in gas just yet.
00:33States are not in crude oil just yet. States to give details of forward planning.
00:38This is the first time the Prime Minister has convened a meeting with Chief Ministers amidst the West Asia conflict
00:44which began on February 28th following an attack by the US and Israel and Iran.
00:50All right, these images that are coming in with the Prime Minister that has begun chairing the meeting with Chief
00:59Ministers across the country to gauge preparedness.
01:03Also, we will continue to get you the latest. With that, I want to get in. Let's quickly cut across
01:10to the headlines.
01:15PM Chairs key meet with Chief Ministers on West Asia war. Chief Ministers join meetings virtually. State's preparedness amidst war
01:23revealed.
01:29Government slashes excise duty on petrol and diesel excise duty on petrol slashed to 3 per litre from rupees 13
01:37per litre.
01:38Excise duty on diesel reduced to nil from 10 per litre. Government says chose not to hike fuel prices for
01:44citizens.
01:48The government rumishes lockdown rumours amidst crisis as lockdown reports false and misleading claims enough oil stocks in place and
01:56no need to panic.
02:03US pauses Iran energy plant strikes for another 10 days. Trump says Iran begging for deals. Cites good talks with
02:10Iran for extending the pause.
02:17There's been massive uproar in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. NCMLA's protest against Khamenei's killing. NCMLA's slogan aired with Khamenei posters.
02:27Israel Mutabad slogans in assembly.
02:33Once again shocking the VIP mindset on display. Karnataka MLA's demand free IPL tickets. Sources say state cricket body will
02:41also give the MLA's separate stand to watch matches along with free tickets.
02:57All right. So the news that we were following just a short while ago. Prime Minister's meeting with the chief
03:04ministers of all states have started not including the chief ministers of election bound states.
03:10It's a virtual meet and it is a meet to assess the war impact. The visuals of course that you
03:16see are not the visuals of this meeting that has begun because it's a virtual meeting.
03:21The prime minister is consulting with all states to gauge to check the preparations done by the states to handle
03:30any any shortage or shortfall that might come in the future.
03:36States to give details of forward planning. The meeting discussing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the situation
03:42in the states.
03:43Now all of this following the global tensions that have escalated and the global economic impact that is being felt
03:51across the world.
03:53India collateral in that as well. Till now what we are facing is definitely an LPG shortage.
03:59Having said that the government today slashed excise on fuel wanting it not to be transferred to the citizens.
04:08The opposition though meanwhile has called it election airing because they feel that once the elections are done and trusted
04:15the price will rise and will be shifted to the citizens.
04:19Having said that the prime minister today will be speaking with chief ministers of every state to gauge on what
04:27we are looking at.
04:28All of this if you remember viewers in the backdrop of the prime minister just last week where he addressed
04:35both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in parliament.
04:39And he did say that states need to unite in what could be a COVID-like situation.
04:45The government of course have allayed fears of any lockdown because there were speculations at the back of the COVID
04:50-like situation comment by the prime minister.
04:52But the government has clarified that that was in regard to states coming together.
04:58A show of strength, of unity to combat whatever collateral fallback we have in the crisis that is escalating in
05:06West Asia.
05:07I want to connect right now to my colleague Piyush Mishra who is joining us for more.
05:11Piyush what more can you add?
05:12Chief ministers of all states excluding election bound states.
05:16It's right now meeting with the prime minister.
05:18What's on agenda?
05:21Well the agenda is the ongoing situation that in West Asia.
05:25We think this is a very crucial meeting which is underway.
05:28Like we have been stressing upon the fact that the prime minister is giving a big message on the United
05:34Team India to deal with this situation.
05:37Sources have confirmed to India today that the meeting with the chief ministers is underway.
05:42This is a virtual meeting.
05:44All chief ministers barring the election bound states have joined the meeting virtually.
05:50The meeting is right now discussing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the situation ending in states.
05:56Remember that following the global tensions on Iran war, the discussions right now are being held on fuel supply, inflation
06:05and logistics arrangements.
06:07Sources have told us that chief ministers are going to provide the information on the state's situation and the preparations.
06:15At the same time chief ministers from election bound states are not attending this meet.
06:21But during his statements in Loktava and Rajitava, prime minister has been focusing on the big message on Team India.
06:29And that's what is also being showcased where chief ministers talk about all the states are participating in this meeting.
06:35And during this meeting we can expect prime minister also to tell the state governments, state chief ministers about the
06:42preparations which the central government has done and what it is further planning to do.
06:46At the same time, see if prime minister could seek the suggestions and also seek a report on the preparations
06:52of chief ministers on this entire matter.
06:56We'll have to wait and watch what kind of message is being sent out by PM to all the chief
07:01ministers because after this meeting we are also expecting a statement that is most likely to be released by the
07:07prime minister's office.
07:09Alright, a statement post this meeting will be released by the prime minister.
07:12After the meeting in effect largely to discuss the exigencies that are resulting at the back of the onsuing war
07:19in West Asia.
07:22But Piyusha, to bring you back in, lots has been discussed in terms of whether there's going to be a
07:27lockdown.
07:27The government has allied all fears of that account saying no lockdown for now or there is no possibility of
07:33a lockdown.
07:34But many are discussing that there could be, you know, certain rules and regulations that could come where India needs
07:42to deal with the energy crisis that we have to face at the back of this escalation that is taking
07:50place in West Asia.
07:52Well, Priti, there's no doubt that we have to be prepared.
07:55We have to deal with the situation which is evolving in West Asia day by day.
07:59And that's what the prime minister has also been discussing before.
08:03But one thing, various ministries, various leaders of government have been stressing on that there is no need to fear.
08:11No lockdown like situation could come.
08:14We are very much ready to deal with this situation.
08:16We have no shortage of supply.
08:18We are in touch with various other countries to ensure that all our energy meets, all our energy requirements are
08:25met.
08:27So there's no need to worry.
08:28No lockdown will happen.
08:29But yes, we have to be prepared because we don't know what is going to happen after a month or
08:35after two months if this war continues.
08:37So we have to be prepared.
08:39And that's why we are now seeing how the meeting is going on.
08:43The prime minister has also been stressing on that no need to worry about anything.
08:50And we all need to work like a team in India.
08:52And that's what we are also seeing how this meeting is going on.
08:56The chief president of almost all the states have virtually joined.
09:00After this meeting, we are expecting some sort of statement being released by the prime minister office.
09:06And we will be able to know more about what all has been discussed.
09:09But in this meeting, sources have confirmed to us that the prime minister is speaking with the reports from the
09:16various state governments about their preparations, about the logistics arrangements.
09:22And the chief ministers are going to provide how the state is ready and what is the situation and implementation
09:27of the part of the state government as far as dealing with this entire crisis is concerned.
09:32Piyush, at the back of this meeting, once we do have that press release that you were speaking of, on
09:37your television screen, viewers, are the visuals that are coming in.
09:39And you can actually see all the chief ministers who have logged in.
09:43It's a virtual meet where the prime minister is addressing.
09:46It also takes you back, viewers, if you remember.
09:48Because when the prime minister said that the states and all have to come in together, that like the COVID
09:54-like situation and what you see on your television screen, of course, we don't have an impending health crisis that
10:00we did or a health scare that we did during the times of COVID.
10:03But it does take you back, and that's exactly five years ago, around the same time, when the prime minister
10:09did address many of these meetings with chief ministers of states to forward plan on how India needs to be
10:16prepared where COVID was concerned.
10:18Of course, this has nothing to do with COVID, but as a country, we are collateral to the impending war
10:25or to the ensuing war that is taking place in West Asia, and we need to be prepared.
10:30Right now, India is, you know, doing what it can, and we are not facing really, you know, much in
10:38terms of a crisis where fuel is concerned.
10:41Yes, there is a shortage of LPG, but what if this war continues in days to come?
10:46That would, in effect, mean that India will have to plan, and states need to be an integral part of
10:53it.
10:53So this meeting going on, at the back of it, what we can expect, you know, certain regulations to come
10:59in on how India plans to deal in the future if this war continues the way it is.
11:05With that, Piyush, if you are still with us, all right, Piyush is still with us.
11:10Piyush, one quick question.
11:12After this meeting is done, that press release that we are expecting, are we expecting certain norms to be set
11:19and SOP in terms of the coming days?
11:23Well, yes, we can expect the press release to be released by the Prime Minister's office, and that could be
11:28focused on the available of energy resources, how the states are prepared, how the central government is prepared, and what
11:35it is further looking to plan as far as dealing with its entire crisis is concerned.
11:40One thing is very important to highlight, Piyush here, we can see not only Prime Minister with Chief Minister sitting
11:46here, but also Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajna Singh is taking part in this meeting,
11:51which is certainly indicating as to how the government is trying to send out a message, and is also briefing
11:56all the Chief Ministers about the decisions that those have taken so far in the last few big meetings that
12:03have happened.
12:03And remember that Rajna Singh has shared meetings with Arts of Defence officials, Home Minister Amit Shah, even he has
12:10shared a group of ministers meeting in Parliament, where the leaders like J.P. Nadja, Hadid Singh, Puri, S.T.
12:18Shankar have participated in the...
12:33and he has robbed, you know, the cuts there. But having said that, with the latest that is right now
12:41taking place in the meeting, virtual meeting with the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of States,
12:46what can we expect? I want to bring in Mr. Shankar Raya, political economist, author and columnist. Mr. Raya, thank
12:52you for joining us.
12:53We're also going to cut across to our other guests and get in a quick word in. Mr. Raya, with
12:58what you're looking at right now,
13:00because there is, for now, you know, we are facing an LPG shortage. There is really no shortage where oil
13:07and fuel is concerned.
13:08Having said that, if this war continues, and I think that is what is being discussed in the meeting of
13:14states and the Prime Minister,
13:16what then, what do you expect? If this war continues the way it is, India will have to take certain
13:23measures.
13:24Well, the hierarchy of needs will go travel to the pyramid, which means that the state chief ministers
13:32will discuss the availability of nutrients, of fertilizers, to farmers. This is also supposed to be, you know, season.
13:43All of these parts, because rural economy comes more than 46% of the workforce. Those people need to engage.
13:52They need to, and India will need the output that it needs a year.
13:56The second part of it is that basically of the energy core. We are, many other countries,
14:04stuck in a war that is not a making, and that seems to be evolved by the day, and that
14:14has had an effect on the price of crude oil, on the currency, and stuff.
14:19So, the question that will be answered there, or will be discovered there, will be the supply of LPG.
14:27I assume, and I hope that the Prime Minister uses this crisis point to sort of bring home to the
14:35chief ministers
14:36the many schemes that are available for state governments to implement the solar funds, the solar cost schemes,
14:44the solar pump scheme, all these to sort of alleviate the demand or the pressure of demand on energy products.
14:54So, the distribution network of pipe gas needs to be extended.
15:01Typically, what happens is in India's rural area, LPG is the main thing.
15:06So, there would be progress, I guess, to bring solar cookers and others.
15:13We don't know whether the war will continue for a week or a month,
15:17but I can tell you so much that this will have long-term implications,
15:24and that is what I hope the SOAP team India is discussing.
15:29You know, Shankar, I request you to fix your audio line.
15:32There's a problem with that because, of course, I think right on the top of the agenda is going to
15:36be LPG,
15:37as much for domestic consumption, number one, you know, to make sure that LPG cylinders are available.
15:43You know, PNG, there are no cuts in that, but already, if you see, most agencies where LPG is concerned
15:50have upped that you could only get one cylinder in 35 days.
15:54So, that is a cause for concern, not just at the domestic front,
15:57then LPG where commercial front is concerned as well,
16:00because lots of industries that use LPG commercially are now cutting down on the number of days
16:05because the lack of energy available.
16:07So, in that sense, that would be on the top of agenda,
16:10but if it is long-term, then we are talking about everything.
16:12Viewers, and we'll give you an understanding why we are talking about everything.
16:16And we will go back to it, but let's quickly, you know, move on and get our viewers a sense
16:22of how India is dealing with it.
16:23We're going to come back with these visuals.
16:25Amidst this entire global oil shock triggered by the West Asia war,
16:29India has stepped in with a sharp excise duty cut.
16:32Opposition is questioning the timing ahead of elections,
16:35but having said that, for now, the government has decided to absorb the shock.
16:45As the West Asia war continues to escalate, there is a massive fuel tax relief by the government.
16:51But, here's the twist.
16:53Don't expect cheaper fuel just yet.
16:56The government has slashed excise duty on fuel.
16:59Levy on petrol down from 13 to 3 rupees per litre,
17:03and diesel levy cut to zero.
17:06So, why was the move taken?
17:09The world has been witnessing a global oil surge due to the West Asia war,
17:13due to Strait of Hormuz being blocked.
17:16The rising crude oil prices and weakening rupee hurt oil companies,
17:20and this move will ease oil marketing companies' stress.
17:25But, there is no change in pump prices.
17:28Instead, the cut in duties is aimed at providing relief to oil companies,
17:33bleeding from rising crude costs, and a weakening rupee.
17:37The big takeaway?
17:38While crude has surged from $70 to nearly $122 per barrel,
17:43fuel prices in India have not gone up.
17:46Now, compare that with India's neighbourhood.
17:49Fuel prices are up over 30% in Sri Lanka,
17:52nearly 25% in Pakistan,
17:54around 6.6% in Nepal.
17:58India, along with Bangladesh,
18:00stands out for holding the line.
18:03Zooming out globally,
18:04prices have surged over 30% in the United States,
18:0823% in China,
18:10around 17-18% in Germany and France,
18:14and 6.4% in Australia,
18:17a global spike that India is, for now, cushioning.
18:21The decision to slash the excise duty on fuel
18:24came after a late-night meeting
18:25chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday,
18:28with clear instructions to protect
18:30the common man from global oil shocks.
18:58Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said,
19:01while the world is seeing fuel prices
19:03jumped from 20% to 50%,
19:05India has chosen to absorb the shock.
19:08But the opposition is still not convinced.
19:13I don't know what benefit the people of India
19:16are going to get it through these decisions.
19:18Because some reports are coming,
19:21the benefit is not coming nearby.
19:23It will take some time.
19:26The whole decision of the central government
19:28is late decisions.
19:30No relief at the pump yet,
19:32but no pain either.
19:34India's balancing act is holding for now.
19:37Bureau Report, India Today.
19:41All right, at a domestic level right now,
19:43the implications of this war.
19:44The government's saying we're putting citizens first.
19:46The opposition's saying this is mere electioneering.
19:48Wait till the elections get done,
19:49and then the prices will rise.
19:52Also, what you see on your television screen
19:54is the Prime Minister holding a meeting,
19:57a virtual meeting with all chief ministers,
19:59discussing what could be in order
20:01if this war continues.
20:03Let's cut across to our panelists right now,
20:05Ashutosh, political analyst, Gurudeep Singh Sappal,
20:07national spokesperson, Congress,
20:09R.P. Singh, national spokesperson,
20:10BJP, Shankar Iyer, political economist,
20:13continues to be with us.
20:15I want to begin with Mr. Gurudeep Sappal.
20:18Gurudeep Singh Sappal,
20:19the Congress says, wait, elections are on.
20:22The moment elections get done,
20:24the prices will be,
20:26or the shock, the oil shock,
20:28which is now being absorbed by the government,
20:30will be passed on.
20:31But for now, Gurudeep Singh Sappal,
20:33the argument is, look at it worldwide.
20:35Every country has increased oil prices.
20:38India is the only one where at least oil prices are stable,
20:41is what the government says.
20:46Thank you, Priti.
20:48First of all, I would mention
20:49that the meeting by the Prime Minister is on,
20:52and Congress Chief Ministers in all the states
20:54where we have the government
20:55will cooperate and will work to find the solutions
20:59and lessen the problems of people.
21:01Having said that,
21:02we have been saying that this government
21:04has been looting the citizens of India.
21:06And the very fact that today,
21:09a 10 rupee cut has been made in petrol
21:11and a 10 rupee cut has been made in diesel,
21:13and yet the prices are not reducing,
21:15means that all these companies
21:17were making huge profit.
21:19Government of India was making huge profit.
21:22They were looting people.
21:23And even today,
21:24after this huge cut,
21:26today the tax collection on petrol
21:29is still more than 50% above that in UPA times,
21:33and tax collection in diesel is more than 125%
21:36in what used to be during UPA times.
21:39So even today,
21:40the government has a huge elbow room
21:42to pass it on to people.
21:44B, you say that we doubt the intentions of the government.
21:49Yes, we doubt it.
21:51Because they are saying it
21:53that they are giving a support to people.
21:55Problem is that
21:57they have been looting people to an extent
21:59that now there is no scope
22:01to further increase the prices.
22:03They have been earning
22:04out of people's money.
22:07Every citizen who has been purchasing petrol and diesel
22:10has been supporting this government
22:11to the tune of 44 lakh crore rupees
22:14which they have collected in last 11 and a half years.
22:17So what we are saying is
22:18you distribute that money
22:20to people of this country,
22:22save them from price rise
22:25and we have seen in past
22:28that all the escalations in the price
22:31coincides with the time schedule of elections.
22:35And we are afraid
22:36that even now
22:37this cut has been made
22:39only in the view of the impending elections.
22:42And once the elections are over,
22:44I would like the BJP spokesperson here
22:46that on behalf of BJP
22:48will they assure the country
22:49that there will be no price hike after that.
22:51Hike after death.
22:53All right.
22:54Okay.
22:54So that's a question for R.P. Singh.
22:56R.P. Singh,
22:57the Congress will have us believe
22:58that this is,
22:59you know,
23:00it's a cautionary tale.
23:01Right now,
23:02you're keeping prices low
23:03because elections are on,
23:04elections are over,
23:06the prices will increase
23:08and what the shock that you say
23:10that the government has absorbed
23:11will then be nicely transferred
23:13to the citizens.
23:14And if the government
23:15could absorb the excise shock right now,
23:18what were they waiting for?
23:18They could have done it earlier.
23:24Hike,
23:25has the prices increased?
23:26You're asking questions.
23:27They would have done it earlier.
23:28Have the prices increased?
23:29No.
23:30Have the fuel prices gone up?
23:32No.
23:33So why create this crisis?
23:34And why put such questions?
23:37And also on LPG,
23:39what was the price of the LPG
23:41when they left?
23:42It was 1,241 rupees.
23:44And also,
23:45that they just increased
23:46the prices in Himachal Pradesh.
23:48Why have they increased
23:48the prices in Himachal Pradesh
23:49when they knew the crisis was on?
23:52During the period of crisis,
23:53they increased prices
23:53in Himachal Pradesh.
23:55So they are burdening,
23:56wherever they have government,
23:58they are burdening
23:58the common citizens.
23:59We are trying to bring a question
24:02between the citizens
24:03and between the crude prices.
24:06So they are questioning us.
24:07And also,
24:09that he is saying
24:10that we looted some 44,
24:1444 lakh crore rupees,
24:16whatever figure he is saying.
24:17But he is not telling
24:18that all this period
24:19the government of India
24:20has spent how much
24:21on infrastructure.
24:22This year itself,
24:23it was 12.2 lakh crore rupees
24:24has been marked,
24:26year marked for the infrastructure.
24:27So,
24:28and if you really go back
24:30on the counting,
24:32it is much higher
24:33than what has been earned
24:35by the fuel economy.
24:37So whatever is there
24:39is for the people.
24:40It is not that government
24:41is taking it in its pocket.
24:42There is no pocket
24:43for the government.
24:43It is all for the infrastructure,
24:45for railway,
24:46for airports,
24:47for roads,
24:48for better connectivity.
24:51I mean,
24:51it is being done there.
24:52And we have seen
24:53a huge change,
24:54huge change
24:55in the overall infrastructure
24:57which has happened
24:57in the last few years.
24:58So,
24:59I mean,
25:00it is sad
25:00that they are painting
25:01something like
25:01as some roadside robber
25:05who is trying to loot
25:06the people's money.
25:08It is not that way.
25:09It is people's money
25:10being spent on the infrastructure,
25:12on the citizens only.
25:14But,
25:15again,
25:16there is a time
25:17when they should be
25:19with the government.
25:20It is time of crisis
25:21if we accept.
25:22And then,
25:22we expect support
25:24from all chief ministers
25:26and also
25:26from all political parties.
25:28Unlike
25:29Himachal Pradesh
25:30which has added
25:31another probably
25:32five rightly remember
25:32five rupees
25:33on the patrol,
25:34another cess
25:35on the patrol
25:35to cover up their budget.
25:38I am going to come back
25:39to Gurdeep Singh Sapal
25:40but I want to bring in
25:41our other two guests
25:42because Shankar...
25:43I...
25:43Sir,
25:44I...
25:44I will just come back to you.
25:45Allow me to bring in...
25:46Let me answer to this
25:46Himachal thing, Priti.
25:47Okay, quickly, sir.
25:48Make your point.
25:52Yeah,
25:52I will just give you
25:53three figures.
25:54A,
25:55the amount of tax cuts
25:56elected is 44 lakh crore rupees.
25:58B,
25:59in Himachal,
26:00central government
26:00has cut
26:01the revenue deficit grant
26:03which was of 8,000 crore rupees.
26:05It has plunged
26:06the Himachal government
26:07into a crisis.
26:08And C,
26:09if you see the figure
26:09in Bihar
26:10before election,
26:11they distributed
26:12more than 15,000 crore rupees
26:13to women
26:14to buy votes.
26:15This is how
26:16the Modi government
26:17has been managing
26:17the economy.
26:18It is only and only
26:19for politics.
26:20Wherever there is a
26:21opposition government,
26:22you deprive them of money,
26:24you staff the governments
26:25of money.
26:26Please, please,
26:27I did not intervene.
26:29You staff the governments
26:31of that revenue.
26:32You are forcing
26:33the government
26:34to struggle
26:35on day-to-day basis.
26:36On the other hand
26:36to win elections,
26:37you are distributing
26:38multiple times
26:39of that revenue
26:40to voters.
26:41And C,
26:42you have collected
26:4344 lakh crore rupees
26:44in 12 years.
26:45And in comparison,
26:47in UPA 10 years,
26:48government collected
26:4910.75 lakh crore.
26:51All right,
26:51Gurudeep Singh,
26:52you have raised
26:54400%.
26:54I need to answer that
26:56before you jump.
26:57I am allowing you, sir.
26:59Very, very small.
27:00One-liner.
27:05Again, sir,
27:0544 lakh crore rupees,
27:07more than 120 lakh crore rupees
27:08has been spent
27:08in infrastructure
27:09in last 12 years.
27:10On average of 10 lakh crore rupees.
27:11This year,
27:12it was 12.2,
27:12but on average of 10 lakh crore rupees,
27:14more than more money
27:14has been spent.
27:15But you don't see that.
27:17I mean,
27:17in your times,
27:18there were no roads.
27:20There were no proper
27:23airport infrastructure.
27:24What are the infrastructure
27:25in your time?
27:26Now, please allow me.
27:27I have two other guests
27:27who have been very patient.
27:29Allow me to bring in
27:29another two guests.
27:30I can answer.
27:31Okay.
27:32Shankar Raya,
27:32I want to bring you in
27:33and I'll go to Ashutosh
27:34and I'll come back
27:34to Gurudeep Singh,
27:35Sapul and R.P. Singh later.
27:37Shankar Raya,
27:39the fact is,
27:39right now,
27:40what we are dealing with is
27:41the government has absorbed
27:43the oil shock.
27:44Will it be passed down
27:45to the citizens?
27:46We'll only know
27:47when time to come.
27:47But the fact is,
27:48Shankar Raya,
27:49if this war continues
27:50the way it is,
27:51the collateral damage
27:52is not going to be
27:53just limited to oil
27:54and LPG.
27:55It's going to be
27:56inflationary
27:57at every possible level.
27:59And that is something
28:00that we will need
28:01to deal with.
28:04Well,
28:05clearly,
28:05what you can see here
28:08is the discussion
28:10is stranded
28:11in, you know,
28:13very shallow politics.
28:14what the nation is facing
28:16and what the world
28:17is facing
28:18is a huge cost-plus
28:20situation just now.
28:21And this will visit,
28:23even if the war
28:24ends tomorrow
28:25or the next week
28:27or this month,
28:29the implications
28:30will be visible
28:31in the economy.
28:32Already,
28:33the forecasts
28:33for economic growth
28:34have been trimmed.
28:36Already,
28:37the forecasts
28:37for inflation
28:38have been raised.
28:39the currency
28:40which has now
28:41touched
28:4394-74 today,
28:45that has implications
28:48for the entire economy,
28:50whether you are
28:51an exporter
28:52or an importer.
28:54The exports
28:55that we do
28:55have import components.
28:57And so,
28:58all of this
28:59will impact
29:00the economy.
29:01It is
29:03sad
29:04that
29:04the discussions
29:06that should happen
29:08among the political class
29:10is not about
29:12what can be done
29:14to alleviate
29:14but,
29:15you know,
29:16in the same
29:17tutu maymay style
29:19that's going on.
29:20I mean,
29:21I would really like
29:23the opposition
29:23and the ruling party
29:25to sort of look
29:27at the schemes
29:27that were not implemented,
29:29the solar farms,
29:30the solar cooker farms.
29:32I mean,
29:32you know,
29:33there is an old
29:33Doha
29:34of Kabeer's,
29:36Dukh mein sumiran
29:37sab kare,
29:38Sukh mein kare na koi.
29:39If governments
29:41in the states
29:42and the union
29:42had thought about
29:44replacement
29:45of resilience
29:46in energy,
29:47we would be
29:48in a better place today.
29:49Okay.
29:50I want to bring in
29:51Ashutosh
29:51who's been waiting
29:52for a fair amount
29:53of time.
29:53Ashutosh,
29:55the fact is
29:55one has to look
29:56at the macro picture.
29:57We can dive into
29:58the micro politics
29:59of it all
29:59which is domestic.
30:00Elections are around
30:01the corner.
30:02All of this
30:02is happening
30:03for elections
30:03but we have
30:04no control
30:06over what
30:07we are facing.
30:08As a country,
30:08we are collateral
30:09to what is
30:11a huge slump
30:12where it comes
30:13down to the economy
30:14across the world
30:15at the back
30:15of this war
30:16and one needs
30:17to deal with it
30:18on that front.
30:19It's not going
30:19to be just limited
30:20to LPG and oil,
30:21Ashutosh.
30:22This is going
30:22to impact
30:23every possible
30:25daily measure
30:26that we partake.
30:29See,
30:30Priti,
30:30partly I agree
30:30with you
30:31and partly
30:31I do not agree
30:32with you
30:32this is a crisis
30:33of a very
30:34high proportion
30:35but the fact
30:36of the matter
30:37is this is
30:37the time
30:38when we should
30:38look into
30:38the preparedness
30:40of the government.
30:41The point is
30:42was government
30:43prepared for this?
30:44I don't agree
30:45on that point.
30:47Government
30:47after almost
30:48four weeks
30:49almost four weeks
30:50is now
30:51trying to say
30:52that they are
30:53looking at
30:53an opportunity
30:53into a crisis.
30:55Nothing could be
30:56more fast
30:56than this
30:57Nara
31:00I'm just
31:00giving you
31:01the data
31:01that this
31:02government
31:02which is
31:03talking about
31:03about the
31:05vocal for
31:05local and
31:06Atmanirbhar
31:07and Swadeshi.
31:08The Ministry
31:09of Commerce
31:09and Industry
31:10has given
31:10data last
31:11Saturday,
31:12last week
31:12itself,
31:13where
31:15the crude
31:16oil
31:16shrank
31:17for
31:17sixth
31:17consecutive
31:18month.
31:19The production
31:19I'm talking
31:20about.
31:20The natural
31:21gas
31:22contracted
31:22for
31:23twentieth
31:23month.
31:25The refinery
31:26product
31:26shrank
31:28six out
31:29of eleven
31:30months.
31:30The growth
31:31of fertilizers
31:32slowed
31:32in five
31:33months.
31:34Now,
31:35the government
31:35which knew
31:36the government
31:38which should
31:38be prepared
31:39for this,
31:40was the
31:40government
31:40prepared?
31:41No.
31:41Now the
31:41government
31:41is saying
31:42we are
31:42improving
31:43the production.
31:43When you
31:44are improving
31:44the production
31:45now,
31:45you could
31:45have improved
31:46the production
31:46in the last
31:46twelve years.
31:47India could
31:47have been,
31:48I agree
31:49that India
31:49couldn't have
31:50been import
31:52independent
31:52on this issue,
31:53but at least
31:54it could have
31:54cut.
31:55In the last
31:56ten years,
31:57our LPG
32:00dependence on
32:01import has
32:02increased from
32:0347 to 62%.
32:04On the oil,
32:05it has increased
32:06from 83%
32:07to 88.4%.
32:09Why this is
32:09happening?
32:10Another point
32:11I want to give.
32:12Now the government
32:12is talking about
32:13you have to
32:13get converted
32:14from the LPG
32:15to the PNG.
32:15Now the PNG
32:17is exported,
32:18imported only 50%
32:20and the LPG
32:20is imported 60%.
32:22Now if you
32:23had laid down
32:24the infrastructure
32:24for the PNG
32:25conversion,
32:26by now you would
32:26have been much,
32:27much safer.
32:28But look at the
32:28figures.
32:28PNG connection
32:29is only 1.62 crores
32:31where the LPG
32:32connection is 33.2 crores
32:33and you at the max
32:35right now you can
32:35improve only 62
32:37PNG connections.
32:39So was government
32:39prepared?
32:40No, government
32:40was not prepared.
32:41Okay, but Ashutosh,
32:42would you agree
32:43that at least right
32:44now, and I'm not
32:44talking about what
32:45happens in the future,
32:46but at least right
32:47now India is
32:48faring, you know,
32:49if you look at
32:49your immediate
32:50neighborhood far
32:51better than most
32:52countries in how
32:53we are dealing
32:54with this crisis.
32:55Can I ask a simple
32:56question?
32:57Sure, sir.
32:57Afghanistan or the
32:58Bangladesh and other
32:59countries, is there
33:01any assembly election
33:02happening over there?
33:03No.
33:04Look at the holistic
33:05picture.
33:05So you're saying
33:06it's all for
33:08electionary?
33:0830 seconds.
33:0910 seconds.
33:1010, 30 seconds.
33:11LPG you improved
33:12by 60 rupees.
33:13The commercial
33:14improved, increased
33:15by 114 rupees.
33:17If vis-a-vis LPG,
33:18if the government
33:18has increased the
33:19diesel and the
33:21patrol, you can
33:23imagine what impact
33:24would have had on
33:25the electorate.
33:25RPC wants to come
33:26in and go across
33:27to Gurdeep Sappal
33:28after that.
33:28RPC, you wanted
33:29to respond.
33:29Go ahead.
33:33Well, Ashutosh,
33:34you forgot a figure.
33:35I mean, what was
33:36the total LPG
33:36consumption in India?
33:3913 crore.
33:40Today it's more
33:40than 43 crore people.
33:41You just now said
33:42that.
33:42So the consumption
33:44has also gone up
33:45and so is the need
33:47for the LPG
33:48also gone up.
33:49And you're talking
33:49about the LPG
33:50present in case.
33:51So it is the
33:53which affects the
33:53election the most.
33:54The housewife,
33:55the household gets
33:56affected most
33:57if I go by your
33:58version.
33:58It's not that.
33:59And also,
34:00Preeti, you are
34:00saying that the
34:01money could have
34:02been passed on.
34:02Obviously, it has
34:03been passed on
34:03because government
34:04is taking all
34:07that push with
34:08the government.
34:09I mean, that
34:09buffer, the shock
34:10observer, is being
34:11provided to the
34:12consumer ultimately.
34:13It's not that
34:13government is using
34:14that money somewhere
34:15else.
34:15It's for the
34:16consumer that the
34:16money is being
34:17used.
34:18Can I answer
34:19that?
34:19Can I answer
34:20that?
34:20Quickly, sir.
34:23See, Preeti,
34:25India is
34:26a brujwaning
34:27economy.
34:29Obviously, in
34:30the process of
34:30modernization and
34:31urbanization, your
34:33LPG connection will
34:34improve.
34:34But what the
34:35government was
34:35doing?
34:36Was government
34:37waiting for a
34:37crisis?
34:38That's the
34:39fundamental problem.
34:40The government
34:41is saying the
34:41LPG connection was
34:42improving so we
34:43couldn't do it.
34:44In the last 12
34:45years...
34:45Okay, RPCsing,
34:45quickly come in,
34:46then I'll bring in
34:46Gurudeep Sappal.
34:47Just tell me,
34:48how many underground
34:49caverns have built?
34:51Vishakhah, Patnam,
34:52and the second one
34:53is Mangalore.
34:54What about the
34:56Madure?
34:56What about the
34:57Bikaner?
34:58What about the
34:58Chilkha Khol?
34:59If we had done
35:00that, if we were
35:02prepared like China
35:03was prepared, because
35:05of the wrong
35:05foreign policy moves,
35:07you are stuck.
35:08Okay.
35:09RPCsing, quickly,
35:10then I'll bring in
35:11Gurudeep Sappal.
35:13Well, you just
35:15mentioned, Preeti,
35:16earlier, before the
35:17program started,
35:18your person in
35:19introduction mentioned
35:21that China has
35:22increased the prices
35:23by 23%, and
35:25America has also
35:26increased by 33%,
35:27and Qatar has
35:28increased it by 8%.
35:29So they are not
35:32passing out whatever
35:34is the increase in
35:37prices to the
35:37consumer.
35:38We are not being
35:38aware of a shock
35:40observed or a
35:41buffer in between.
35:41But RPC, you know,
35:42the argument is the
35:44only reason you are
35:45doing so is because
35:46elections are around
35:47the corner.
35:50Ma'am, Ma'am,
35:51Ma'am, Preeti, Ma'am,
35:52yesterday you told me,
35:53I didn't want you to
35:54bring this, yesterday
35:54you told me there is
35:55a shortage of LPG in
35:56your moholla, in your
35:57area, and there's no
35:58PNG connection.
35:59I mean, why to go by
36:00presumptions?
36:01I mean, let's face a
36:02reality and the fact.
36:04I mean, if government
36:05has announced it, it's
36:06not going to take back
36:07after elections.
36:14Presumption has
36:16yesterday, it is today
36:17also.
36:17It's because of
36:18election.
36:19I'm not saying
36:20election, I'm just
36:20saying there is a
36:21shortage.
36:22I'm not connecting
36:22the two.
36:24I'm not connecting
36:25the two.
36:25Why are you getting
36:25angry?
36:26I'm just telling you
36:26there's a shortage.
36:28You live in the
36:29same moholla as
36:30me.
36:30You yourself are
36:31saying that in
36:31your daughter's area
36:32there is a shortage.
36:33There is a shortage.
36:34We have to deal
36:34with it, period.
36:36No, I never
36:37said there's a
36:37shortage.
36:38I never said.
36:38No, no, no, no.
36:39Don't put words in.
36:40I never said there's
36:40a shortage.
36:41I said we booked
36:42We bought it in
36:43time.
36:43Maybe not in your
36:44block.
36:44In my block, in
36:45my locality, there
36:46is a shortage.
36:47And I think you
36:48and I have the
36:48same gas provider.
36:49That's why I
36:52requested you last
36:53evening after the
36:53debate.
36:56Use your good
36:57offices and get me
36:58an LPG cylinder.
36:59Use your good
37:00offices and get me
37:00an LPG cylinder.
37:01I'm saying it.
37:02There is a shortage.
37:03I'm not getting one.
37:04But we have to do
37:05110%.
37:06I checked with
37:06the local.
37:07I checked with
37:07your LPG guy.
37:08He says there's
37:09no shortage at all.
37:10Let Madam book
37:10with us.
37:11We'll ensure that
37:11the LPG reaches
37:12her home within
37:1221 days.
37:13Sir, right now,
37:13you know, are you
37:14going to force me
37:15to do this?
37:16Let me, I will
37:17do it.
37:17If you want, I
37:17can tell you the
37:18name and address
37:18of the...
37:19Sir, I will tell
37:19you.
37:20Okay, I'll tell
37:21you this.
37:21Now that you want
37:22me to do it,
37:22let's do it on
37:23national television.
37:24My agency is
37:25Priya Gas Agency.
37:26If you call them,
37:27they're not even
37:27picking up your
37:28phone.
37:29It immediately, it
37:30delinks and it
37:31goes into a
37:31recorded message.
37:32So, which
37:33earlier on used
37:34to automatically
37:34book a cylinder.
37:36Now, I'm sorry
37:36that I have to
37:37give a class to
37:38people on
37:38national television
37:39on why, you
37:40know, cylinders
37:40are not being
37:41booked.
37:41I'm not blaming
37:42the government.
37:42I'm just saying
37:43there's a shortage
37:43and one needs
37:44to deal with it.
37:45There is a
37:45domestic shortage.
37:46Why are we in
37:46denial of that?
37:47Okay, I don't
37:48know why this
37:49has become between
37:49you and I.
37:50I want to take
37:50final comments.
37:51Gurdeep Singh,
37:51would you want
37:52to come in?
37:52There is no
37:52domestic shortage
37:53and ensure that
37:54Priya Gas Agency
37:55should be short
37:56to be late.
38:00I'm not saying
38:01it's your fault.
38:01I'm not saying
38:02it's the government's
38:03fault.
38:03I'm saying
38:03we are cold at it.
38:04We all have to
38:05deal with it.
38:05I can drive you
38:05because you have
38:07to write to say
38:08what you do.
38:08Let me come in.
38:10And why don't
38:10you have a P&G
38:11connection?
38:12Next door has a
38:13P&G connection.
38:13Ali, sir, why is
38:14my house cylinder
38:15become the moot
38:16point of this
38:17debate?
38:17It's not supposed
38:18to be.
38:18Let it be, sir.
38:20Okay, come.
38:21Gurdeep Singh,
38:22Sappalji, come in.
38:23Please, please
38:23let me come in.
38:25Final points, sir.
38:26Yeah.
38:27First, I take
38:27a strong objection
38:28to this observation
38:29that we were
38:30doing politics
38:30on this.
38:31No, it's not
38:31politics.
38:32R.P. Singhji
38:33is saying that
38:33other countries
38:34have increased
38:35prices.
38:35We have not
38:36done in India.
38:37R.P. Singhji
38:38hides two facts
38:39that in India
38:40before today
38:41you were collecting
38:4123 rupees
38:42exercise,
38:44central exercise.
38:45I'm not even
38:45talking about
38:46state exercise
38:46from petrol
38:47and 18 on
38:48diesel.
38:49And where
38:49were the
38:50oil marketing
38:50companies were
38:52adding other
38:53bits.
38:53Allow, I'll
38:53come back to you.
38:54Allow it to
38:54complete.
38:56Today I wanted
38:56my timer.
38:57We don't have
38:57the timer.
38:58But one second.
38:59Allow me to...
39:00Allow him to
39:01complete.
39:01The oil
39:03marketing
39:04company's
39:04profit went
39:05up by 500
39:07to 800
39:07percent in
39:08last 10
39:09years.
39:09And this
39:10is the extra
39:10money which
39:11was coming to
39:11government and
39:12companies.
39:13And that is
39:13why you are
39:14not able to
39:14increase prices
39:15because they
39:15were anyway
39:16higher than
39:17the rest of
39:17the world.
39:18Now issue
39:19is that we
39:20have seen the
39:20crisis in
39:21Covid also.
39:22This government
39:23after experiencing
39:25that crisis
39:26has not done
39:27anything in
39:27last six
39:28years.
39:28You talk of
39:29strategic reserve
39:29of the oil.
39:31In 2017,
39:32Modi government
39:33took a decision
39:34to build up
39:35two more
39:36strategic reserves.
39:3717 to 26,
39:39the work has
39:39not proceeded
39:40on that.
39:41The only
39:41strategic reserves
39:42in this country
39:43are the ones
39:43which were
39:44planned by
39:44Dr.
39:45Manmohan Singh
39:45government
39:45in which the
39:46work was
39:47completed up
39:47to 93%
39:48in 2014.
39:50But after
39:502014 to 26,
39:52we have not
39:53developed a
39:53strategic reserve
39:54whereas China
39:55after the
39:56Covid experience.
39:58Let him finish.
39:59I'll come to you
40:00only, RPC.
40:01How many days?
40:02Let this discussion
40:04be coherent.
40:04I'll come to you.
40:05Allow him to finish.
40:06You said images
40:09are coming from
40:10Pakistan and
40:11Bangladesh.
40:12There are images
40:12in India also.
40:13You are not
40:14allowing that
40:15images on television.
40:16You are
40:16threatening people
40:17with cases.
40:17You see the
40:18lines there
40:19on the roads.
40:20You go to
40:20rural areas.
40:21There are lines
40:23as long as
40:23two kilometers,
40:24three kilometers
40:24as petrol pump.
40:25You are not
40:26allowing those
40:27images to come
40:27up on TV.
40:28And now you
40:29say that we
40:29are all doing
40:30all good.
40:31Go and ask
40:31people to meet
40:32people who are
40:33suffering.
40:34Allow me to
40:35also come in
40:36here.
40:36A lot of those
40:37images that came
40:38in at the back
40:39of rumor mongering
40:40as well, sir.
40:41Because there is
40:41a sense of panic
40:42and people have
40:43decided that
40:44there is chaos
40:46and that's why
40:47it wasn't that
40:48there was an
40:48actual shortage.
40:49We actually
40:49went on ground
40:50and we
40:51investigated.
40:52A lot of
40:53those lines
40:53were because
40:54of rumor mongering.
40:55Please let me
40:56answer to this.
40:58Please let me
40:59answer to this
41:00in two lines.
41:01Who created
41:02this panic?
41:03It was Prime
41:04Minister Modi
41:04in Parliament
41:05when he said
41:06that we are
41:06expecting a
41:07COVID-like
41:08situation.
41:09When the
41:09Prime Minister
41:10of Country
41:10says in
41:11Parliament that
41:11we are
41:11expecting a
41:12COVID-like
41:12situation,
41:13what do
41:13you expect
41:14people to
41:14do?
41:15They will
41:15of course
41:16The
41:16opposition
41:20was
41:20spreading
41:21rumors.
41:21The BJP
41:21can turn
41:22around and
41:22say that.
41:23No, no.
41:23Tell me whether
41:27Prime Minister
41:29said it in
41:29Parliament or
41:30not that there
41:30will be a
41:31COVID-like
41:31situation is
41:32expected.
41:32Let me quote
41:33him.
41:34I'll tell you
41:37what the
41:37Prime Minister
41:38said.
41:38The Prime
41:38Minister
41:39said states
41:39have to
41:40come together
41:40if there
41:41is a
41:41COVID-like
41:41situation.
41:42There
41:42has to
41:43be
41:43unity.
41:43That's
41:43what he
41:44said.
41:44And let's
41:44quote him
41:45in context.
41:46That's
41:46what I'm
41:46saying.
41:47And I'm
41:47quoting him
41:47exactly what
41:48he said.
41:48States need
41:49to come
41:49together.
41:50No, no.
41:52Precisely this
41:52is what he
41:53said.
41:54Come together
41:54if there's a
41:55COVID-like
41:55situation.
41:56Means he
41:56was telling
41:57people there
41:57can be a
41:58COVID-like
41:58situation.
41:58Sir,
41:59this is
42:01not about
42:02what,
42:02once again,
42:03final comments.
42:04RP Singh,
42:04you wanted
42:04to comment
42:05quickly.
42:05No,
42:05it's not
42:06my logo
42:06that's
42:06line.
42:10It's
42:11of the people
42:12who are there
42:12in lines.
42:13RP Singh.
42:17Sanjay
42:18Raut
42:18announced in
42:19the media
42:19today that
42:19this lockdown
42:20is coming.
42:21He's part
42:22of their
42:22alliance only.
42:23And also
42:24that they
42:25were the
42:26one who
42:26started the
42:26LPG
42:28rumor also.
42:29Remember,
42:29it started
42:30in Bangalore,
42:30then to
42:31Chennai,
42:31then to
42:31Kerala,
42:32then to
42:32Kolkata,
42:33and then
42:33countrywide.
42:34And from
42:3555 lakh
42:36booking to
42:36it reached
42:37to 85 lakh
42:37booking.
42:38So obviously
42:39you try to
42:39create crisis,
42:41good wishes
42:42to you because
42:42you are
42:43worthy only
42:43of that.
42:44and you
42:45are not
42:45there in
42:46favor of
42:47the country
42:48at all.
42:49Because you
42:50hate Prime
42:50Minister Modi,
42:51you started
42:52hating the
42:52country also
42:53in that
42:53process.
42:53And you
42:54can keep
42:55doing it,
42:55but we
42:56will do
42:56our best
42:56whatever
42:56we can
42:57do.
42:57And let
42:58me remind
42:59you,
42:59sir,
43:00in your
43:00time,
43:01as I
43:01was saying,
43:02Mr.
43:02Anthony
43:02is in
43:03the
43:04parliament
43:04said that
43:05we are
43:05not
43:05building
43:05infrastructure
43:07next to
43:07the
43:07border.
43:08And
43:08today,
43:08our
43:09borders
43:09are
43:09very
43:10well
43:10prepared
43:10with
43:10our
43:10infrastructure.
43:12Let us
43:13discuss that
43:14on a
43:14different
43:14show.
43:15All right,
43:16okay,
43:16that's true,
43:17Different show,
43:17sir,
43:17different show.
43:18Not right now,
43:19different show.
43:20Shankar Raya,
43:21to bring you in,
43:22what are we looking
43:23at?
43:23Because like you
43:24said,
43:24if we get away
43:25from the
43:26micro-politics
43:27and the
43:28petty
43:28politics of
43:29it all,
43:29what are we
43:30looking at?
43:31Because then
43:31India needs
43:32to be really
43:32worried if
43:33things continue
43:34the way they
43:34are,
43:34because it's
43:35not going
43:35to be
43:35limited to
43:36gas and
43:36oil.
43:38A lot
43:39of the
43:39infrastructure
43:40in the
43:40Gulf
43:40states has
43:41been
43:42damaged,
43:43decimated,
43:44or to
43:44use Trump's
43:45word,
43:46obliterated.
43:47You have
43:48about 18
43:49million barrels
43:50that were
43:50coming out
43:51of the
43:51Hormuz
43:51Strait
43:52block.
43:52The supply
43:55through the
43:55other side
43:56on the
43:57Red Sea
43:58is now
43:59a question
44:00mark given
44:01the threats
44:01issued by
44:02Houthis.
44:04The gas
44:05production
44:07facilities in
44:08Qatar have
44:08been severely
44:09or, as
44:11they put it,
44:11significantly
44:12affected.
44:13Now, all
44:14of this
44:14will take
44:14time for
44:15reinvestment,
44:16recapitalization,
44:18the creation
44:18of the
44:19infrastructure.
44:19So the
44:20world will
44:21have to
44:22live with
44:22a lower
44:23supply of
44:24energy and
44:25a higher
44:26demand of
44:27energy,
44:27which is
44:28also being
44:30propped up
44:31by issues
44:32ranging from
44:32climate change
44:33to the
44:34adoption of
44:34AI.
44:35Now, for
44:36India itself,
44:37our biggest
44:38issue is
44:39that everything
44:40that we
44:41do is
44:42compounded by
44:43the depreciation
44:45of the
44:45currency.
44:46So we
44:47might source
44:48crude oil
44:50at a
44:50premium from
44:51Iran or
44:52Russia, but
44:54we will be
44:54paying higher
44:55prices and
44:56this will
44:56filter through
44:57every part
44:58of the
44:59economy.
45:00So we
45:00have to
45:00think of
45:01how we
45:02can sort
45:02of reduce
45:04the demand
45:05for the
45:05energy, for
45:06the expensive
45:07energy and
45:09reduce the
45:09impact of
45:10what I
45:11call imported
45:12inflation.
45:14people.
45:15All right,
45:15okay.
45:16Ashutosh, to
45:16bring you
45:16in, because
45:17there is a
45:17certain amount
45:19and there should
45:20be political
45:20responsibility in
45:21this as well.
45:22While the
45:23opposition is
45:24well within
45:25its space to
45:26correct the
45:27government, to
45:28question the
45:29government, but
45:29largely, Ashutosh,
45:31one needs to
45:31understand we
45:32had no part in
45:33this war, we
45:34are collateral in
45:34this war, and
45:35we need to
45:37come together to
45:38fight what is
45:39upon us.
45:40We didn't ask
45:41for it, we
45:41are stuck in
45:42it, and we
45:42have to deal
45:42with it as a
45:43united country.
45:45I think in
45:46which world we
45:47are living in, the
45:48relationship between
45:49the opposition and
45:50the government is
45:50at the lowest in
45:52Indian parliamentary
45:52history as of
45:53now.
45:54There is no
45:54communication between
45:55the all-party
45:56meeting happens, the
45:57prime minister is
45:57not there, the
45:58leader of opposition
45:58is not there.
45:59Now, you
46:00expect this is a
46:01crisis on a
46:02day one, I'm
46:03saying, that is
46:04on 28 February
46:05or the 1st and
46:062nd March, the
46:07prime minister who
46:08is in a habit of
46:09addressing to the
46:09nation why it
46:10did not,
46:11why he did not
46:12address to the
46:12nation.
46:13If he had
46:13addressed to the
46:14nation and
46:14said, look, don't
46:15worry, I'm here,
46:17this is the storage
46:19facility, this is
46:20storage facility for
46:21three months or
46:22four months of the
46:23oils and two
46:24months or three
46:25months for the
46:25gas.
46:26Did prime minister
46:26do?
46:27No.
46:27Now the
46:28prime minister, now
46:29the BJP is
46:29saying what?
46:30BJP is saying
46:31opposition is
46:31spreading rumors,
46:32opposition is
46:33creating panic.
46:34Now, you are in
46:35the government, you
46:36are in the
46:36government, don't
46:37forget it, opposition
46:38is not in the
46:38government.
46:39If you can't, if
46:40you can't manage,
46:41if you can't
46:42address issues, if
46:44people are spreading
46:45rumors, you are just
46:46watching it, then
46:47whose incompetence
46:48will be questioned?
46:49So if there is a
46:50black marketing, crack
46:52down on that.
46:53If there is a
46:54rumor mongering, crack
46:55down on that.
46:55If there is a
46:56panic, crack down
46:57on that.
46:57You are not doing
46:58anything.
46:58You are just
46:59blaming the
46:59opposition.
47:01Okay, I want to
47:01bring in because
47:02to be fair, you
47:03know, it's two
47:04against one.
47:04It seems to be
47:05Gurudeep
47:05Sappalji and
47:07Ashutosh
47:07against R.P.
47:08Singhji.
47:08R.P.
47:09Singhji, I'm
47:09going to bring
47:09you in for the
47:10final comment.
47:11And I'll also
47:11tell you, sir,
47:12interribly, because
47:13it became about
47:14me as well, I
47:16made a call to
47:16my gas agency.
47:17Immediately, Indain
47:18has sent me a
47:19message.
47:20Immediately, Indain
47:21has sent me...
47:21I'm not taking
47:22dope from anybody.
47:23Please, please.
47:24Nobody is saying
47:24you are, sir.
47:25I'm just saying
47:26it is two against
47:26one because you
47:27were criticizing.
47:31I'm saying that
47:32it was two
47:32against one in
47:33terms of you
47:33were criticizing
47:34the government.
47:35And so is
47:35Gurudeep ji.
47:36So I'm not
47:37insinuating anything.
47:38But R.P.
47:39Singhji, I've got
47:40a message.
47:40We take
47:40criticism as a
47:41healthy criticism.
47:42Okay.
47:43But R.P.
47:43I'm glad.
47:44I'm really glad
47:44that it's healthy
47:45criticism.
47:45But R.P.
47:46Singhji, I'm
47:46just telling you,
47:47I've got a message
47:47that a lot of us
47:48are getting in the
47:49country today and
47:49it's come from Indain.
47:51We are in the
47:51process of
47:52streamlining,
47:53refill bookings.
47:54Please avoid
47:54repeated calls.
47:55We appreciate
47:55your patience.
47:57Over to you,
47:57R.P.
47:57Singhji, final
47:58comments.
48:02Well, R.P.
48:03It's nothing
48:03personal.
48:04I'll come to you,
48:05sir.
48:05I love it.
48:05For the nation,
48:06we have to work
48:06out.
48:06And you,
48:08what...
48:10So as I was
48:11saying,
48:12it's nothing
48:12personal.
48:13I mean,
48:13it's just about
48:13that if there's
48:14an issue,
48:14we need to
48:15take it together
48:16and we need
48:17to fight it
48:17together.
48:18There is crisis.
48:19The crisis
48:19has not been
48:20created by us.
48:20It's a crisis
48:21created by some
48:22other countries.
48:23And then we
48:24are facing that
48:25and then we
48:25have to see
48:26what best can be
48:26done in
48:27given situation.
48:27And as far
48:28country preparedness
48:30goes,
48:30I remember we
48:31used to be some
48:3235 gigawatt
48:33in renewable energy.
48:34Today we are
48:34280 gigawatt
48:36in renewable energy.
48:36We were 3 gigawatt
48:38in solar and we are
48:38140 gigawatt
48:39in solar.
48:40And gradually
48:41we are working on
48:41that shift from
48:43the patrol and
48:44diesel cars to
48:45the electric cars
48:45also, electric
48:46vehicles also.
48:47So every problem
48:49brings in a lot
48:50of opportunities
48:51and a lot
48:52of lessons also.
48:53Okay, I'm terribly
48:54out of time.
48:54We are working
48:54on it and we
48:55request the
48:56opposition to be
48:58on board and
48:59support the
49:00country and
49:01support the
49:02because of
49:03your hatred
49:03for Modi.
49:04Don't start
49:06hatreding,
49:07start...
49:07Okay, request
49:07the opposition
49:08support the
49:09country, support
49:09Mr. Modi.
49:10Fair point.
49:11Gurudeep,
49:11Sarpalji,
49:12one line I want
49:14to say.
49:15Yeah, one line.
49:16When we talk,
49:17we don't only talk
49:18as opposition,
49:19we are the ruling
49:20parties in 10
49:21states of this
49:21country.
49:22We are suffering
49:23the lack of
49:23transparency in
49:24planning by Modi
49:24government.
49:25But we are
49:26interested in the
49:27benefit of people
49:28of those states
49:29also.
49:29We are responsible
49:30political parties.
49:31So please do
49:32not always say
49:33this what Aargi
49:33Singhji is saying.
49:34It is our
49:35collective duty
49:36to ensure that
49:37people of this
49:38country do not
49:39suffer because of
49:40a war.
49:40I'm glad sir.
49:41I want to close
49:42on that line.
49:43It's our collective
49:44duty to ensure
49:45that we absorb
49:46the shock that
49:47has come our way
49:48because like I
49:49said, we had no
49:49part in the
49:50making of it.
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