Vatal Nagaraj stages novel protest in Mysuru over LPG shortage

Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj and his supporters staged a protest in Mysuru on Friday (March 13), highlighting the difficulties faced by people, hotels, and restaurants due to the shortage of LPG amid concerns over the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Known for his unconventional forms of protest, Mr. Nagaraj sat on an LPG cylinder and used firewood to boil water as a symbolic demonstration against the scarcity of cooking gas and to demand immediate measures to ease the crisis.

Speaking to reporters later, he warned that if the war continues, people in India too could face serious difficulties. He said the conflict could eventually affect food availability worldwide and described it as a “war on food”.

Mr. Nagaraj said there are plans to call for a Karnataka bandh soon over the LPG issue if the situation does not improve.

He demanded that the war be stopped immediately, stating that people are already facing problems due to the shortage of LPG. While some households had begun using firewood for cooking, he said it was neither sufficient nor sustainable and could lead to deforestation.

“LPG is the main source of cooking fuel for people. This war is against humanity and it must stop,” he said.