The CPI held demonstration and rastaroko at Rajmahal Square here on Saturday, protesting against frequent hike in cooking gas price, which got costlier by Rs 25 two days ago. Hundreds of CPI activists under Bhubaneswar Zonal Council took out a rally, flaunting placards and also holding cylinders on head, which began from Bhagabati Bhawan and moved through Ashok Nagar. Traffic was affected as they squatted at Rajmahal. Addressing the protestors, CPI Bhubaneswar Zone secretary Sura Jena said the cooking gas price hike has directly hit the housewives. Cooking gas has been dearer by Rs 500 since the Modi Government has come to power including Rs 200 in last 9 months, he said.
Among others, CPI State executive committee member Jayant Das, Kheta Mulia leader Sarat Swain, Chetambar Bhoi, Sagarika Das and Jagannath Patra led the agitation.