Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 19: Former minister B Ramanath Rai on Friday February 19 said that the BJP-led NDA government at the centre is involving in daylight robbery by hiking duties for petrol and diesel. "In history, the country has never witnessed such a hike in prices of fuel,” he said.
Addressing a press meet at Congress Bhavan here, Rai said, "The hike in fuel prices has led to skyrocketing of prices of essential commodities and the general public are in trouble. When UPA government was in power, though the price of crude oil was $145 per barrel, prices of fuel never increased like this. Increase in LPG price has put the general public in distress. The BJP government has no sympathy for general public. Instead, it is favouring only corporates.
“The government is fooling the people in the country. The BJP-led government has failed to reduce the price for fuel despite crude oil being available at a cost $40 per barrel. When UPA was in power, the excise duty for petrol was Rs 9 and for diesel, it was Rs 3. But now the excise duty for petrol is Rs 32.96 and diesel is Rs 27. The hike in fuel price leads to an increase in bus fare. It has created a problem for fisheries business and farmers as well,” he said.
Rai also said that after Independence, the Congress has worked for the progress of the country.
When the UPA government was in power, people boldly criticised the government without any fear. But, now if people openly express their views, they will be branded anti-nationals. Recently, a Tulu movie actor was trolled for expressing his views on social media over fuel price hike. Another Tulu actor was also threatened by the activists of Sangh Parivar.
“UPA government understood the pain of people. The present government is filling the pockets of rich and corporates. Our neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are providing fuel at a lower price for its citizens,” he said.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rai said, "Nothing good will happen from Modi. They are misleading the people and spreading lies. Prior to elections, Modi assured the people to bring black money to India, but what has he done.
“Congress leaders Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the country. The Congress fought against the British and now it is being projected as anti-national and the people who supported the British are projecting themselves as patriots,” he said.
Rai also said that there should be a change in the leadership in the NDA.
He also said that Congress will hold a massive protest against the union government for hiking fuel prices. “The country has never witnessed such a bad government,” Rai said.
Congress district president Harish Kumar announced that Congress will hold Bavaikyatha Samavesha on Monday 22. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah will take part in the convention, he said.