The Congress Saturday announced that it will hold protests across country “to draw attention of the deaf BJP government against the insurmountable increase in prices of gas-petrol-diesel.”
The party urged people to protest outside their homes and in public places by beating “drum-bells and other instruments” on 31 March.
Meanwhile Petrol and diesel prices were increased again on Sunday, the fifth such hike in six days.
While the price of petrol was increased by 50 paise a litre, the diesel rate rose by 55 paise per litre.
Since March 22, petrol prices have increased by Rs 3.70 in all, while diesel rates have gone up by Rs 3.75.
“When will the the Bharatiya Janata Party’s intoxication from its victory wear off?” Congress leader Randeep Surjewala asked. “Till when will people have to bear the brunt of inflation from all sides?”
Surjewala alleged that the BJP-led Union government increased excise duty by Rs 18.70 for petrol and Rs 18.34 for diesel in total since it came to power in May 2014.
“This is a shocking 531% hike in excise duty on diesel, and 203% increase in excise duty on petrol,” he said.
He said that the Congress has also planned district-level protests against inflation between April 2 and April 4, and state-level demonstrations on April 7.
