BJP flays hike in petrol, diesel prices

Hyderabad, July 17 :-

The increase in the prices of petrol, diesel and essential commodities has evoked a strong protest from the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Voicing its strong disapproval of the move, the BJP on Friday staged a dharna under the leadership of Bhandaru Dattatreya at Assembly.

The BJP feels the country is passing through a difficult phase and the hike in petrol and diesel prices would add burden to the people. "This is not the time for such a move'', he said.

He alleged the YSR Government had totally failed in regulating the prices of pulses and other essential commodities in the state.

The Government had not hiked the prices when they rose in the international market, then why are they raising them now, Dattatreya questioned. He demanded the government to release a white paper on rising prices.

BJP senior leaders said the increase on oil prices would place an unbearable burden on the consumers.

He asked the government to activate the vigilance wing and take action against unscrupulous traders to avoid wrong signals that the government colluded with traders for gain.

They said that Union Agriculture Minister Mr Sharad Pawar claimed bumper harvest during the last five years. “Then why are prices of essential commodities soaring?” they asked.

The Congress Governments usually create artificial scarcity and act amicably with traders, the BJP charged.