The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will organize a statewide protest against rising fuel prices on June 4. CPM state secretary M V Govindan announced that the protest targets the central government's unchecked increases in petroleum product prices and the silence of the UDF government in Kerala on the matter.
Protest Details Announced
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, Govindan said CPM workers will protest in front of central government offices and other selected locations on Thursday. He highlighted that fuel prices have surged dramatically, with the central government raising petrol and diesel prices four times within ten days, from May 15 to 25. Despite a drop in international oil prices, the Centre increased the fuel cess, preventing consumers from benefiting. Govindan accused the Centre of imposing unnecessary burdens on the public under the guise of crude oil price hikes.
State Government's Role Criticized
Govindan also criticized the state government, claiming it is playing a secondary role to the Centre. Following the recent fuel price hike, the state government will gain an additional revenue of Rs 2 per litre. He noted that Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who previously urged the LDF government to forgo this extra revenue, has now reversed his stance. "Satheesan cycled from Cantonment house to the assembly to demand that, but now he is not willing to stick to his argument," Govindan remarked.
Broader Political Context
The CPM state secretary further asserted that the central government's subservient attitude towards the United States is the root cause of the current fuel crisis in the country.
