RJD threatens agitation over hike

Patna: RJD on Friday launched a sharp attack on the NDA govts at the Centre and in Bihar over the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that the increase was deliberately delayed until the conclusion of assembly elections.

RJD state president Mangni Lal Mandal accused the BJP-led govts of imposing an “inflation burden” on the public immediately after the polls. He alleged that the Centre had waited for the electoral process to end before increasing fuel prices to benefit its “capitalist friends”.

Targeting the Bihar govt, Mandal said it remained a “silent spectator” while people suffered from rising fuel costs. He alleged that high VAT imposed by the state, along with profiteering by the Centre, amounted to a coordinated attempt to extract money from the public.

Mandal said the hike would increase transportation and irrigation costs, pushing up prices of essential commodities and hitting poor and middle-class families the hardest. He demanded that the Bihar govt reduce taxes and VAT on fuel, warning that the party would launch a statewide agitation if no relief was provided.

RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav termed the hike unjustified and harmful to the economy. He alleged the BJP raised concerns over foreign exchange conservation only after elections ended.