Vijayawada: Left parties on Thursday announced a statewide 'rasta roko' protest on June 9 against the continuous increase in petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices by the Centre. The decision was taken at a meeting of left parties held in Vijayawada, where leaders also accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of adopting authoritarian policies and misusing central investigation agencies against opposition leaders.
Details of the protest
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary V Srinivasa Rao alleged that the Centre had increased petrol and diesel prices four times recently, placing a heavy burden on common people. He said daily-wage workers, auto drivers, small traders and lower-income groups were being severely affected by rising fuel prices and inflation.
The Left parties announced that extensive campaigns, public meetings and seminars would be organised across the state from June 1 to 7 to mobilise public support against the fuel price hike. Srinivasa Rao alleged that nearly Rs 54 in the petrol price comprised central and state taxes and demanded that both governments reduce taxes to provide relief to consumers. He also urged the Telugu Desam Party to adopt a resolution at the ongoing Mahanadu demanding a reduction in petrol and diesel prices, recalling the party's earlier promises on fuel price reduction.
Demands and criticisms
The CPM leader demanded that 50% of gas and oil produced in the Krishna Godavari Basin be allocated to Andhra Pradesh and sought continuation of crude oil imports from Russia and Iran. He also alleged that the Centre was favouring private corporate interests in oil imports and energy projects.
The left leaders strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate raids against Kerala's former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, terming them politically motivated. CPI leader P Harinath Reddy alleged that opposition leaders were being selectively targeted while leaders joining the Bharatiya Janata Party were being given a 'clean image'. CPI-ML leaders Jasti Kishore and Chittipati Venkateswarlu criticised the Centre's economic policies and demanded a reduction of taxes on petroleum products to protect poor and middle-class families from rising financial burdens.
The protest announcement comes amid growing public discontent over fuel prices, which have seen multiple hikes in recent months. The Left parties have vowed to continue their agitation until the government takes concrete steps to reduce the tax burden on petroleum products.
