Political parties stage walkout over oil prices

TMC MP Derek O'Brien alleges the UPA govt has declared a war on the common man

Parliament members of various political parties on Monday staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha over increase in petrol and diesel prices.

The issue was raised during zero hour, following which members from Left parties, the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party walked out to protest the government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader M Venkaiah Naidu said Parliament was in session and without taking Parliament into confidence, oil prices were increased.

Members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) stood in the house holding posters "Scrap diesel prices".

"This government has declared a war on the common man and ultimately it will increase the prices of all other essential commodities," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien.

Members of the TMC along with Samajwadi Party staged a walkout.

The members demanded reply from the oil minister on increase in oil prices.

"This is the sixth increase in oil prices in the last three months and it will increase misery of common people," said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Prasanta Chatterjee.

Many members requested the chair to allow them to speak on the issue, which was denied.

"Since we were not allowed to speak on the issue, we are staging a walkout," said CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury.

Petrol price was increased Rs.2.35 per litre and diesel by Re.0.50 last week.