The Congress party on Saturday attacked the BJP government over the fuel price hike and announced a three-phased campaign, 'Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' from March 31 to April 7. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said party workers and common people will protest outside their houses and at public places on March 31 with garlanded gas cylinders and beat of drums-bells.
"On 31st March at 11 am- people will protest outside their homes and public places with garlanded gas cylinders and beat of drums-bells, other instruments to draw the attention of the deaf BJP government against the insurmountable increase in prices of gas, petrol, and diesel," Surjewala said.
The party will organise 'Mehngai Mukt Bharat' dharna and march in district level from April 2-4. On April 7, protest marches will be held at state headquarters.
Pointing out that that the fuel prices were hiked again on Saturday—the fourth increase in five days—Surjewala said the last one week has been a nightmare for the budget of every household.
“The every day increase in prices have proved the dictum for Narendra Modi government - 'fleece the people, fill coffers',” he said.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 80 paise a litre on Saturday as oil firms recoup losses from holding rates during the period prior to the recently-concluded assembly elections. With three increases beginning March 22, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by Rs 2.40 a litre.
The Congress accused the government of earning 26 lakh crore in eight years by increasing the excise duty on petrol and diesel alone. "The people of India have been betrayed, duped and deceived by the Modi government,” Surjewala said.
The decision to launch the agitation was taken at a meeting of Congress general secretaries and state in-charges here on Saturday. The meeting also discussed the membership drive of the party and the current political situation in the country.
Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal chaired the meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi.
