Bhopal: The state Mahila Congress on Saturday staged a unique protest against the increase in petrol and diesel prices at the Nanke Petrol Pump in the New Market area. Workers arrived pushing scooters and expressed their anger through the 'Dhakka Maar Andolan' (push movement).
Protest Details
Oil companies had announced a hike of Rs 3 per litre on petrol and diesel on Friday. Led by state Mahila Congress president Reena Borasi, the women agitators said that inflation has broken the back of the common man. Borasi stated, "The skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel have made life difficult for the middle class, women, working professionals, and small businesses."
Symbolic Act
During the protest, Mahila Congress workers pushed scooters to convey that due to government policies, even driving a two-wheeler is becoming increasingly difficult for the common man. Upon reaching the petrol pump, they raised slogans against the Union and state governments.
Reena Borasi further said, "The BJP had shown the public dreams of 'achhe din' (good days), but today people are struggling to fill petrol. Instead of using vehicles, they are forced to push them. If inflation continues to rise at this rate, people will again be forced to use bullock carts and walk long distances. The BJP government is continuously plundering the people."
Comparison with UPA Era
Referring to the UPA regime under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Borasi said that even during the global economic recession of 2008, the UPA government handled the country's economy firmly, but the current Narendra Modi government has made empty promises and failed to control inflation.
Demands
The state Mahila Congress demanded immediate relief in petrol and diesel prices and concrete steps to control spiralling inflation.
