Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AM)

Mangaluru, Feb 1: Working president of district Congress committee Ibrahim Kodijal said on Wednesday, February 1 that Congress will organise simultaneous protests in different taluks on February 3 against the BJP-led central government for enforcing the New Motor Vehicle Bill and also for the rising prices of fuel.

Addressing mediapersons at Congress Bhavan, Mallikatte he said, "Following instructions from All India Congress Committee and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, protests led by district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai with district Congress will be held simultaneously opposite Mangaluru Regional Transport office (RTO), Sullia taluk office, Puttur RTO, Bantwal taluk office, Moodbidri Nadakacheri and Beltangady taluk office on February 3. District Congress and Block Congress will be part of the protests".

"From Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh, all consulted their party members or discussed  issues in parliament before taking any decision which would affect the common man. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not consult anybody. Promises of bringing black money and deposits of Rs 15 lac each, achche din, development, fair justice for general public and many more are pending. PM Modi has given fake promises to people. BJP party members are themselves opposing certain policies of Modi," he said.

"The price of crude oil in the international market is falling, but the Central government is not reducing the prices of fuel here in India. As a result, there is inflation all over the country. Entire nation is under pressure due to rising prices of essential commodities. Congress had earlier protested against demonetisation and inflation. Its our duty as Opposition to protest and request the Central government to take measures benefiting the general public," he added.

"The New Motor Vehicle Bill enforced by the Central goverment will put poor drivers into trouble. According to the new act, drivers violating traffic rules will lose their driving license for five years. How can their family survive?" he questioned.

"Similarly, fines of Rs 1000 for not wearing seat-belts and helmets while driving and Rs 5000 for jumping traffic signals is like looting people. This rule is against the poor and working class. The amount of fines and penalties should be brought down. We request the general public and everyone to be part of the protests," he concluded.

Former mayors Shashidhar Hegde and K Ashraf, senior vice-president Balaraj Rai, general secretary Santhosh Shetty, committe members Subodh Alva, Vishwas Kumar Das and others were present.