Trichy: The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI(ML)), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) jointly staged a protest demonstration in Woraiyur on Thursday. The demonstration was held to condemn the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government over the steep increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders.
Impact on Small Businesses
The protesters highlighted that the price hike of nearly Rs 1,000 per refill for 18 kg commercial cylinders has severely affected small eateries, tea stalls, and roadside food vendors across Tamil Nadu. They alleged that the price of a commercial LPG cylinder rose from approximately Rs 2,200 to Rs 3,200 in the past week, placing an immense financial burden on restaurants and small businesses.
Demand for Immediate Rollback
Demanding an immediate rollback of the price increase, the political parties accused the Union government of failing to control the rising LPG prices. CPI councillor K Suresh stated, "Many eateries have suspended operations due to the increase in commercial cylinder prices. Small-scale eateries may resort to job cuts to reduce expenses, while food prices have already gone up citing the LPG price hike."
Railway Job Cuts Also Criticized
In addition to the LPG price hike, the protesters also criticized Southern Railway over an alleged reduction of more than 29,000 jobs, based on a recent railway circular. The Left parties urged the Union government not to cut railway jobs or fill vacancies solely through internal transfers, emphasizing the need to preserve employment opportunities.
