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CPI(M), BJP protest against oil price hike

SHIMLA: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party organised demonstrations in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday in protest against the Centre’s decision to raise petroleum, diesel and cooking gas prices. The protests were held at all district headquarters. The CPI (M) Central Committee member from Himachal, Rakesh Singha, said the protests would continue for the whole week and the Government would be forced to withdraw the increased prices. He said the Himachal Government must reduce the sales tax on petroleum products to give some relief to the common man. At present the State Government is levying 25 per cent sales tax on petrol and 14 per cent on diesel, he said.

The CPI (M) said the UPA government at the Centre must listen to the suggestions of the Left parties and reduce the excise and import duties on petroleum products.

The BJP protesters led by local MLA Suresh Bhardwaj took out a procession through the Lower Bazar here shouting slogans in protest against the new fuel prices.

The Bahujan Samaj Party has also criticised the increase in prices of petroleum products as “anti-poor”.

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