Left parties call agitation against petro price hike

NEW DELHI: Left parties on Thursday called a nationwide agitation against the hike in petrol and diesel prices and said their suggestions to cut excise and customs duties to minimise burden on the people had been "completely ignored" by the government.

"Our party has decided to launch a country wide agitation against the increase in petrol and diesel prices jointly with all Left and secular forces," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said addressing a rally organised to mark the conclusion of the CPI-M state conference in Kottayam.

Karat's party colleague Sitaram Yechury told reporters in Delhi that "we are utterly disappointed by the decision".

The sentiment was echoed by the leaders of CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc who said their suggestions have not been considered by the government.

"The CPI is completely opposed to the decision which will have a cascading effect on the already overburdened common man who has been hit badly by high prices of all essential items," party's National Secretary D Raja said.

Left parties' suggestions not to burden the people by reducing taxes and duties to meet the hike in global prices was "completely ignored", he said, adding CPI has asked all its units across the country to plan agitations against the government move.

Criticising the increase, RSP leader Abani Roy said the government "which has come to power with the slogan of 'aam aadmi' has completely ignored the people."

Forward Bloc leader G Devarajan said the government should immediately set up a Price Stabilisation Fund to control the increase in prices of petro products.