AAP played a role in CNG price hike: BJP

Harsh Vardhan said the rise in price of CNG will have a cascading effect and will increase the inflation further

Accusing AAP of having a role in CNG price hike, BJP today said that party workers and MLAs would be forced to start a mass-level protest if the increase was not rolled back at the earliest.

"Last night CNG prices were raised by Rs 4.50. I cannot believe that officials concerned will take such a big decision without the consent of the newly elected government.

"The party has decided to launch a mass-level protest if the new government does not take back the gift it has given to people even before swearing-in," Leader of BJP Legislative Party Harsh Vardhan told reporters here.

Vardhan, who convened the second meeting BJP MLAs at Vidhan Sabha, said the rise in price of CNG will have a cascading effect and will increase the inflation further.

"People are not in mood to bear another stroke of inflation. It will have a cascading effect. It is perhaps for the first time in a long duration that such a steep hike in price was done in one stroke.

"They (AAP) should start fulfilling the promises starting with rolling back Rs 4.50 hike in CNG price immediately, which has been brought in from back doors," Vardhan said.

Meanwhile, questioning the timing of the hike in CNG prices, Arvind Kejriwal today said he will examine whether the hike can be rolled back after taking charge as Delhi's Chief Minister.

"What was the need to increase CNG prices when a new government is to take over in Delhi. It raises suspicions about their intention. I will look at the files once I take over tomorrow and see if the hike can be rolled back," he said.

The AAP leader will be sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister tomorrow.

CNG price in the national capital was hiked yesterday by Rs 4.50 per kg, the second increase in rates in three months.