BJP, JD(S), CPM flay Congress, Poojary hits back

With an aim to create awareness on the anti-people policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government and to make the bandh called by the National Democratic Alliance and other opposition parties meaningful, members from the local units of Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxists) and Janata Dal (Secular) staged protests in different parts the city.

The BJP protest which was held near PVS circle and Mangalore Railway Station was led by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

The prices of petrol and diesel have sky rocketed due to the wrong polices of the UPA government. The prices need to be lowered, he said and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh if the Congress government fails to take any measures.The nation is being looted and the protests won't stop till Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh are arrested. "Sonia has Italy but where will Singh go," he mocked.

Accusing UPA government for the difficulties faced by the common man, Kateel shouted slogans against Congress.

BJP City Unit President Srikar Prabhu said that UPA's decision on opening market through Foreign Direct Investment in retail sector would put the local traders in trouble. This needs to be stopped, he stressed.

A bike rally was taken out by BJP party workers.

CPM, JDS protest

The CPI(M) and JD(S) party members jointly organised a protest outside Deputy Commissioner's office.JD(S) leader M G Hegde regretted that UPA government is insensitive towards people's sufferings.

CPI(M) District secretary B Madhava also addressed the protesters. The party workers shouted slogans against the UPA government.

Poojary strikes back

"There has been a loss of over Rs 1,500 crores due to the bandh organised by the NDA and other opposition parties on Thursday. Now, they have to pay back the losses according to the Supreme Court rule," said former Union Minister Janardhan Poojary to Deccan Herald.

"Introducing FDI in retail sector will lead to development. There is a wrong notion that farmers will suffer. In a matter of fact, they will gain a lot as they can sell their produce at a higher price. With FDI, roads, transport, storage facilities can be developed. In case some states do not want to implement FDI in retail sector, let it not do so. Why is it stopping other states who want to implement this rule as they are really concerned about development," he questioned.

He also pointed out that the prices on petrol and diesel can be got down by the State Government by slashing the taxes on these oils.

However, the State government is not ready to take this step and is forcing Central government to take the burden, even though price rise it is inevitable as it depends on the global market, he regretted.

"Why will UPA government intend to make people suffer. They know that people will not trust them and won't elect them if they do so in future elections. The opposition cannot stand development," he said.