The BJP on Friday termed the Centre’s decision to slash LPG cylinder price by Rs 100 on the occasion of International Women’s Day as a big step towards women empowerment.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters here, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “On today’s auspicious occasion, I express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government.”

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“Today, taking a historic step for women, the government has decided to give a discount of Rs 100 on LPG cylinder, which is a big step towards women empowerment. Besides, the government has also decided to extend the subsidy under the Ujjawala scheme,” he said.

The BJP national spokesperson also hailed the announcement of philanthropist and author Sudha Murty’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

Murty was nominated to the Upper House by President Droupadi Murmu earlier in the day. Sudha Murty is the wife of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and also the mother-in-law of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“Another big thing is that today respected Sudha Murty has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. What other sandesh (message) could have been more beautiful than this on International Women’s Day?” Poonawalla said.

“Our government has worked for the empowerment of women,” he further said.

PM Modi’s consistent efforts in the direction of empowering ‘Nari Shakti’ of the nation will build a Viksit Bharat in a true sense, Poonawalla said.

Earlier, in a big announcement on International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Modi said that the LPG cylinder prices will be slashed by Rs 100.

PM Modi, in a statement, emphasised that this reduction aims not only to make cooking gas more affordable but also to support the overall well-being of families and contribute to a healthier environment.

“Today, on Women’s Day, our government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti,” PM Modi posted on social media handle X on Friday.

“By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for them,” he added.

The Prime Minister extended wishes on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“Greetings on International Women’s Day! We salute the strength, courage, and resilience of our Nari Shakti and laud their accomplishments across various fields. Our government is committed to empowering women through initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology and more. This is also reflected in our accomplishments in the last decade,” PM Modi posted on X.

The central government has provided 14.17 crore free LPG refills across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, as per an official statement made earlier.