Bharat Bandh over petrol, CNG price hike

BJP Delhi Pradesh President Vijender Gupta and Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Assembly Vijay Kumar Malhotra have claimed that more than 50,000 BJP workers would block traffic and stage demonstration at 100 prominent intersections in Delhi to protest against hike in the price of petrol and CNG. The BJP has called for a Bharat Bandh on Thursday.

'Delhi government imposes a 20 per cent VAT on liquor being served in five-star hotels, which is the most luxurious service. Value-added tax (VAT) on petrol, which is now basic to public life and transportation, is also 20 per cent,' said Vijender Gupta. 

'Our workers will stage demonstrations at Metro stations and major terminals of DTC to block the public transport system. I call upon every citizen of Delhi to stay away from work and participate in 'Bharat Bandh' to protest the arbitrary increase of petrol price and CNG,' added Gupta. BJP would also organise a Mashal Julus on Wednesday evening.

Both the leaders flayed the Sheila Dikshit government for bringing the CNG under VAT for the first time and looping it in the vicious price rise circle. 'By imposing VAT on CNG for the first time, the anti-people Delhi Government has now brought CNG within the purview of tax so that in future its price may be hiked,' said V K Malhotra. He demanded a complete rollback of VAT on petrol and removal of 5 per cent VAT on CNG.