U.S. President forced war in West Asia, people should understand why fuel prices have risen: Venkaiah Naidu

American President Donald Trump forced the war in West Asia and it’s causing distress to the people of India, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said in New Delhi on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), while releasing Apnapan, a book authored by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his long association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The people must understand the reasons for the war and its impact on fuel prices, Mr. Naidu said.

“There is a crisis. This is an unwanted war, of course. I don’t know why the American President forced this war. This is causing so much difficulties to the people. The prices of petrol, diesel, and gas, are rising because of the situation of war. They are fighting the war and we are being affected by the war conditions. People should understand what exactly is happening, and the reason for the hike. People should react on the basis on reality rather than just making political comments against each other,” the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said.

Criticising the distribution of “freebies”, Mr. Naidu said some promises had been made without understanding the State’s fiscal health. “The entire focus should be on the education and health of common people. In these fields, I don’t mind some freebies,” he said. “Before making any promise, one must understand the financial condition of the State,” Mr. Naidu said, adding that political parties should be cautious about the economy.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, in his address, cited his special bond with Mr. Chouhan, and said the Agriculture Minister had risen in politics by organising farmers and agricultural workers. Mr. Chouhan had developed a relationship with millions of people, he added. Both Mr. Modi and Mr. Chouhan had worked with for the greater good of the country, the veteran Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader said. “They have accomplished this mission together with dedication, which is now part of history,” Mr. Gowda said.

Mr. Modi was a seeker and a simple human being, Mr. Chouhan said. “My association with him goes back 35 years and during these years, I have seen him live every moment for the country. I have seen his heart beat for the progress and development of the nation. The people of this country reside in... every breath he takes,” Mr. Chouhan said.