BJP calls for Delhi bandh on Thursday

Protesting against price rise, including petrol & introduction of VAT on CNG by state govt

BJP has called for 'Delhi bandh' on Thursday to protest against the spiralling price rise, including petrol and introduction of VAT on CNG by the state government.

"All prominent business organisation, including the auto-taxi operators, have decided to support the 'Delhi bandh' by BJP in protest against hike in petrol prices," Delhi BJP Chief Vijender Gupta and Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly V K Malhotra told reporters in a joint press conference.

As part of the agitation, BJP workers would block traffic and stage demonstration at major places.

Terming the imposition of VAT on CNG for the first time as anti people, Gupta said the government has tried to make the public transport more costly and also its agenda of green fuel has suffered a setback.

"Due to wrong policies of central and Delhi government, there is spiralling price rise which has broken the back of common man. This budget by the Delhi government will also fuel prise rise," Gupta said.

Condemning the introduction of tax on sarees in the Budget, Delhi BJP Chief said Sheila Dikshit has shown her anti-women image.

"In June, the prices of edible oil, food grains, pulses, spices, ghee, sugar, tea and other consumer goods shall become costly by five to 10%. Rupee is being deliberately devalued in comparison with Dollar and would affect the import of goods.

"Apart from these, people in Delhi are facing scarcity of water and power. There is scarcity of power but the Delhi government is increasing the prices of UPS. In last two-years, the price of petrol has been increased 13 times from Rs 50 to Rs 73," he said.