Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 10: Condemning the state government for price hikes in petrol, diesel and electricity, Udupi Zilla Nagarika Samithi members staged a protest led by social worker Nithyananda Volakadu at Chittharanjan circle on Tuesday, July 10.

The protestors grabbed attention after taking out a march with bullock carts, carrying rice bags their heads and beating drums.

“The state government has increased the prices for crude oil, electricity, daily needs and reduced the quantity of rice from 7kg to 5kg which was provided to poor people for free. The poor will suffer due the insensitive decision taken by the state government,” said Nithyananda Volakadu.

Earlier, the Congress-led state government introduced Annabhagya, but after the coalition government came into force, the quantity of rice has been reduced and daily life is affected due to price rise.

He said that the coalition government has neglected the coastal region in the budget. He also alleged that the present government did not give attention to demands of MP’s and MLA’s of Dakshina and Udupi.

“The government should reduce price of petrol and also increase the quantity of rice to 10 kgs for poor. The cost of electricity should be reduced. If the government does not adhere to our appeals, citizens of Udupi will hold a massive strike and call for a district bundh,” he challenged.

The protest march started from Diana Circle, passed through Kavi Muddana street and took U-turn at Clock Tower, passing through Triveni circle and ending up at Chittaranjan circle.

Prakash, president of Auto Rickshaw and Tempo Owners, Labourers Union, Shivanand, Yamunappa, Vinayachandra, Rajesh Divakar and other members of the civil committee partook in the protest.