Women Congress protests against rise in price of fuel

Dakshina Kannada District Women Congress members staged a protest against the rise in price of fuel in front of the Dr Ambedkar Circle on Saturday.

The rally was flagged off by Congress star campaigner and actor Bhavana and MLA J R Lobo. The protesters pulled a cart and rode bicycles, accusing the Central government of taking an anti-people stand. The protest march culminated at the deputy commissioner's office.

Addressing the protesters, MLA J R Lobo said, "The price of petrol and diesel have not been reduced even after slash in the price of petroleum products in the international market. The BJP had carried out a massive protest against the hike in price of petroleum products when the UPA was in power. The price of petrol per barrel in the international market during the UPA regime was $140, but has now decreased drastically. However, the Centre has failed to pass on the benefit to the consumers."

The BJP is silent over the rise in price of fuel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should initiate measures to check rise in price of petrol in the country, he demanded.

Promises in manifesto

"The BJP in its manifesto had promised several welfare schemes that have not been fulfilled even after four years. The rise in price of fuel directly affects the price of essential commodities as well. The price of LPG too has been increased. The demonetisation move has affected small traders as well. The promise of generating employment has not been fulfilled," said Lobo.

Dakshina Kannada Women Congress president Shalet Pinto said, "All the earnings of an individual goes towards purchase of food materials and LPG. Instead of catering to the needs of the poor and middle class, the Union Budget 2018 has benefited only the corporate sector."

Minister U T Khader, DCC president Harish Kumar, Mayor Kavita Sanil, ZP member Mamata Gatty and others participated in the protest.