Ranchi: Congress functionaries took to the streets in Ranchi on Saturday to oppose the Centre's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Party workers, legislators, and ministers engaged in sloganeering and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for imposing economic stress on the people.
Protest at Albert Ekka Chowk
Protests were held at Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi, where Congress workers displayed placards and condemned the Union government's economic policies. Notably, the JMM had staged protests over the fuel price hike on Friday after the Centre announced an increase of Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices.
Congress leader's remarks
State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said, "Instead of providing relief to the public from the rising inflation, the PM is urging people to make sacrifices. On the other hand, he is happily touring the globe, mocking the public." Kamlesh further stated, "This crisis did not emerge overnight, but during this time, the PM was busy with election campaigning. Now, after the polls in five states concluded, he suddenly realized there is a crisis and is forcing economic and emotional stress on the people."
BJP's response
The BJP termed the protests a political stunt. "There is a global crisis due to the war in West Asia, and India has so far managed to deal with it rationally due to the Central government's astute planning. However, with rising crude oil prices, the hike was imminent. Rather than engaging in politics, the state government should provide relief from its own coffers to the people on fuel prices," said BJP state president Aditya Sahu.
