While announcing the Congress’ full-fledged support to the Odisha Bandh called by Left parties on Thursday, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik on Wednesday appealed to the people not to purchase petrol, diesel and LPG on the Bandh day to register their protest against the Modi Government’s act of hiking fuel prices. Patnaik led a cycle rally organised by the PCC from the Congress Bhawan here in protest against the rising prices of fuel and other essential commodities like edible oil, etc.
Patnaik urged the people to support his party’s signature campaign on July 17 being organisesd in front of the petrol pumps. Congress workers clad with tee shirts showing the cartoon on the Modi Government on price rise like Gas Rs 870+Petrol Rs 100 plus (NOT OUT), displaying placards against both Modi Government and Naveen Patnaik Government marched in the rally shouting slogans. Congress leaders questioned both BJP and BJD leaders as to why they are maintaining silence on the price rise when they were in the past shouting against the UPA Government on such issues. Mahila Congress activists also staged a protest at Master Canteen Square carrying empty LPG cylinders. It’s the women who are worst-affected by the Modi and Naveen Patnaik Governments’ anti-people policies, said Mahila Congress State president Bandita Parida. Former Minister Bijayalaxmi Sahoo, Madhumita Panda, Mamata Kundu and Pratima Mallick were present. Before the rally at the Congress Bhawan two prominent women leaders, Satbhdhi Suryasnata and Swati Das, joined the Congress party.