UPDATE: NDA calls for Bharat Bandh on May 31

Shiv Sena chief pitches united opposition to press roll back

Reacting sharply against the Rs 7-plus hike in petrol prices and spiralling prices of commodities, the National Democratic Alliance on Thursday gave a call for a nation wide bandh on May 31. In a statement, the NDA chairman LK Advani said all partners of opposition alliance have been consulted in this regard.  NDA would also discuss with other parties seeking their support to Bharat Bandh. Advani at the outset made it clear that the hike was un acceptable.

Advani however, said the bandh would be peaceful. Advani's call comes in the wake of decision by the oil marketing companies to increase petrol prices by Rs 7.58 per litre. Advani claimed the price rise would further create hardships for aam admi.

Advani's call comes in the wake of BJP ally, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's appeal for a united opposition to demand roll back in petrol price hike. Thackeray asked people to stand together against the government's move.

"Shiv Sena and NDA will start a nationwide movement against this hike. Even a call for Bharat Bandh on the issue will be acceptable," Thackeray said in his party mouthpiece 'Saamana' at Mumbai on Thursday.

Despite the UPA government hiking petrol prices 16 times in the last three years, people of the country elected the Congress, he said.

"People should now wake up and bury the Congress. All opposition parties should unite and display public angst," Thackeray said.

"The price hike has broken the back of the common man but petrol is filled in cars of Sonia Gandhi and her ministers with government funds. The common man has to buy all things on his own," he mentioned.