The Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a demonstration here on Monday in protest against rise in petrol and diesel prices caused due to increased rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by both the Centre and the State Government.
CPI activists holding placards and party flags staged the protest on Janpath at Ashok Nagar and shouted slogans against the Governments.
Addressing the gathering, party zone secretary Suraj Jena said economic slowdown in the country has been caused by the demonetisation, GST and wrong fiscal policy adopted by the Union Government. He alleged the Union Government and the State Government have been attacking poor and middle class people by retrenching workers and increasing fuel prices regularly. While labour class people have been facing difficulties due to the Covid-19 crisis, imposition of higher rates of tax on petrol and diesel by the Centre and the State Government is very disappointing, he said, demanding that the Governments withdraw the decision soon.
The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) too staged a protest at College Square in Cuttack.
“By increasing petrol price by Rs 3.11 and diesel price by Rs 1.03, the Centre and the State Government have put an extra financial burden on people of Odisha at a time when they are passing through a difficult time. When the crude oil costs $20 per barrel in the international market, such a move is not only undemocratic but also immoral and inhuman. Oil companies will benefit at the cost of life of common people. The decision should be withdrawn forthwith,” demanded SUCI (C) district secretary Bishwabusu Das and member Khageshwar Sethi.