Price rise: BJP to observe May 24 as 'black day'

Intensifying protests over the rise in prices of essential commodities, BJP will observe a "black day" and hold a sit-in here on May 24.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley will lead the protest which falls on the first anniversary of UPA-II.

"Due to unsuccessful policies of the Manmohan Singh government, the burden of price rise is increasing on the people day by day. The problem is more serious in Delhi where in the last two years, the prices of commodities have increased by hundred per cent," state BJP President Vijendra Gupta told reporters here.

He claimed that the decision to hike the price of CNG will indirectly affect the Delhi government's green drive as more people will go for diesel because there will not be much difference in rates.
    
"It has also increased VAT, water and sewer tax and reduced the subsidy on power -- all anti-people measures," Gupta said.
    
Referring to prices of essential commodities shooting up, he said, "the Sheila Dikshit government is holding the Centre responsible while on the other hand, the Central government is putting the onus on the state government. However, the fact is that both at the Centre and in Delhi, Congress is in power."
    
The BJP leader alleged that Congress is misleading youths and indulging in family politics.
    
"Only people like Rahul Gandhi or Sandeep Dikshit can make it to the top. But BJP has made its policy clear as recently stated by (national president Nithin) Gadkari -- to give chance to youths and I'm an example of that," said 45-year-old Gupta, who last week took over as the state unit head.
    
He also rejected claims of internal wrangling in the state unit of the party.