UDF takes out bullock cart rally to protest against fuel price hike

The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Congress, on Wednesday took out a rally to the Raj Bhavan on bullock carts, bicycles and on foot to protest against the Central government's decision to increase the prices of petrol and diesel.

Besides Narendra Modi government, they also raised slogans against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala for refusing to forego the additional revenue consequent on the hike.

The protest was led by Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, who got onto a bullock cart along with KPCC president, M M Hassan, Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor and Kodukkunil Suresh and MLA, K Muraleedharan.

Inaugurating the march, Chennithala said fuel prices in the country were skyrocketing and nowhere else in the world, they are so costly as in India.

It was only because of the elections to the Karnataka assembly due to be held on May 12, prices have now stabilised, he alleged.

He accused Modi and Vijayan of 'punishing' the people.

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The LDF government has already made it clear that it cannot waive additional sales tax revenue generated following the hike in prices of petroleum products due to financial constraints.

The state government was getting Rs 7,000 crore additional revenue by way of fuel price hike, the Congress leader claimed.

The life of the common man had become difficult as prices of essential commodities, including vegetables, are soaring.

"People are not able to travel by autorickshaws, scooters and buses," he said and alleged that the central and state governments were 'cheating' the public.

Earlier, on Thursday, Convener P.P. Thankachan announced UDF's decision to protest against the price hike during a press conference in Kerala.

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Apart from this bullock cart rally on Wednesday, UDF will hold two other agitations later in May. While UDF will picket District Collectorates and the Secretariat in the State capital on May 8 in protest against custodial deaths and police atrocities, May 18 will be observed as Betrayal Day on the occasion of the third anniversary of the LDF government.

(With inputs from agencies)