New Delhi:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given a call to all parties opposed to the Rs 7.54 hike in petrol price to join hands with it in holding an all-India strike today against the measure by organising rallies, marches, processions and public meetings in different parts of the country.
BJP President Nitin Gadkari asked parties like DMK - which has opposed the petrol price hike despite being a UPA ally- and other parties, including NDA allies, to join the bandh.
"The UPA government has increased petrol prices on 18 to 19 occasions. Now even the Rupee has fallen further. The situation is deteriorating in such a manner that we have reach the stage where we may have to pledge our gold again. We would like all parties opposed to the petrol hike to join our protest," Mr Gadkari told reporters.
The DMK had threatened that it may think of withdrawing support to the Congress-led UPA government due to this petrol hike. However, later DMK Chief M Karunanidhi clarified that the party will oppose the move while staying within UPA.
The BJP's all-India bandh will be observed in several districts across the country. The state unit leaders of the party have been asked to lead the processions and demonstrations in different districts.
In Delhi, Narendra Modi's bete noire Sanjay Joshi will lead the protest demonstrations near Akshardham temple.
Central leaders will participate in protests in other places. "Party leaders, including MP's would take part in rallies and also hold public meetings to protest against the anti-people policies and steep hike in prices of essential commodities by the corrupt UPA Government in connivance with mafias of vested interest," BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.