The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will organise an 'Akrosh March' in Rohtak on June 23 to protest against rising inflation and various civic issues faced by residents. The protesters will assemble at Chhotu Ram Chowk, from where the march will proceed to Gohana Adda in the city.
Public Outreach Campaign
To ensure good participation in the protest, the party leaders are carrying out a public contact programme and inviting residents to join the agitation to mount pressure on the state government to resolve their grievances. As part of its campaign, the party has been conducting public outreach programmes, distributing pamphlets, and organising meetings in different localities. Meetings were recently held with residents of Jasbir Colony and Basant Vihar, while pamphlets were distributed at Sheela Bypass Market.
Key Issues Raised
Dr Jagmati Sangwan, in-charge of the Rohtak city committee of the CPI(M), highlighted several concerns:
- Rising Prices: The continuous rise in prices of essential commodities has made life difficult for common people. Despite a decline in international crude oil and gas prices, consumers in the country have not received any relief. The party demanded an immediate reduction in fuel prices.
- Water Shortage: Residents in several colonies have been facing a shortage of clean drinking water, with many areas receiving irregular supply for only around 20-30 minutes a day. This forces residents to install submersible pumps, increasing their financial burden and affecting groundwater resources.
- Sanitation Issues: Poor sanitation, garbage accumulation in streets, shortage of sanitation workers, and increasing health risks during summer were highlighted. The party also pointed out lack of preparedness ahead of the monsoon season due to incomplete drain cleaning.
- Pollution and Infrastructure: High pollution levels in the city, non-functional parking facilities on Quila Road despite infrastructure being developed, and alleged shortcomings in the fire services department were raised. The recent fire incident at D-Park was cited, where inadequate resources caused difficulties in controlling the situation.
Party Leadership and Criticism
The campaign is being led by the party district secretary Satbir Singh. Other party leaders said the upcoming protest march would highlight public grievances and press the administration to address these issues. Meanwhile, the party has also criticised the government over oil imports, stating that India should continue purchasing cheaper oil from Russia without coming under pressure from any other country.
