Kannur, March 22 -- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday strongly criticised the Centre over rising LPG cylinder prices and related economic distress amidst the escalating West Asia conflict, alleging that the Union government's policies have pushed small businesses toward closure.

Speaking at an event in Kannur, the CM said, "Increase in cooking gas prices has put hotels and small-scale sectors under severe pressure", and accused the Centre of deliberately creating this situation."

Vijayan further alleged that the BJP-led government's policies reflect complete subservience to corporate interests, resulting in anti-people decisions.

The Chief Minister also claimed that India's sovereignty has been compromised, stating that ...