Congress workers in Chandigarh staged a protest on Monday against the recent hike in fuel prices. The demonstration, led by local party leaders, saw participants holding placards and chanting slogans against the central government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices.
Protest Details
The protest took place at the Sector 17 plaza, a common venue for political demonstrations. Congress leaders accused the government of ignoring the plight of common citizens by imposing higher fuel costs, which they said would lead to inflation and economic hardship.
Key Demands
- Rollback of the fuel price hike
- Reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel
- Better economic policies to curb inflation
Speaking at the event, senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal said, "The government is insensitive to the problems of the people. Fuel price hikes directly impact the common man, increasing transportation costs and prices of essential goods."
Government Response
In response, local BJP leaders defended the hike, citing global crude oil prices and the need for revenue generation. They argued that the central government has taken several steps to mitigate the impact, including reducing customs duty on crude oil.
The protest concluded peacefully with a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner's office, urging the government to reconsider the price increase.
