Fuel price hike: Indian Youth Congress holds protest in Delhi
What's the story
Activists of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a protest at the Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday against rising petrol and diesel prices and demanded the resignation of Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. IYC media in charge Rahul Rao said several members of the Congress' youth wing including its President Srinivas BV and other leaders were detained and taken to various police stations.
Quote
Petrol prices have touched Rs. 100 per liter
"The BJP leaders who used to protest over petrol and diesel prices are mum now. The prices of petrol have touched Rs. 100 per liter in many parts of India and the Modi Government is doing nothing to provide relief to the people," Srinivas said.
Criticism
PM Modi has broken people's trust: Srinivas
"The Petroleum Minister should step down if he cannot keep the prices of petrol and diesel in check," Srinivas said. In a release, Srinivas said the people of the country had "chosen Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the promise of a good day, now he has broken the trust of the people."
IYC
IYC members mocked BJP's poll slogans
"Against the anti-people attitude of the Modi Government, the Youth Congress is agitating across the country and raising the voice of the common man," Srinivas said. IYC members raised slogans such as "Abki Baar Petrol 100 Ke Paar" and "Modi Hai To Mehngayi Hai," targeting BJP's poll slogans. The protesters were stopped by police while they were heading toward Petroleum Ministry at Shastri Bhawan.
Arrest
IYC President, other leaders taken to Mandir Marg Police station
"Some of the protesters were detained when they tried to get past the police barricade. The IYC president and other leaders were taken to Mandir Marg Police station," Rao said. "On one side there is all-around inflation and on the other, there is a spate of diesel-petrol-gas prices. Petrol has crossed Rs. 100 while diesel crossed Rs. 90," the IYC release said.
Petrol, diesel price
Petrol, diesel prices continue to reach new highs in states
Worryingly, the petrol price on Friday crossed the Rs. 90-per-liter mark in the national capital and that of diesel reached Rs. 80.60 after rates were increased for the 11th consecutive day in a row. The petrol price has already surged past the Rs. 100-mark in some places in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which levy the highest VAT on the fuel.