Protest against price rise in Bihar: Congress stir ends with cycle rally, RJD’s to begin today

The 10-day statewide stir of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) against price rise of essential commodities, including petroleum products, concluded with a cycle rally in the state capital on Saturday

The 10-day statewide stir of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) against price rise of essential commodities, including petroleum products, concluded with a cycle rally in the state capital on Saturday.

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The cycle rally, which was taken out from Boring Road roundabout to Gandhi Maidan, was led by All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Bihar, Bhakta Charan Das, and AICC general secretary Tariq Anwar.

Senior party leaders, including BPCC chief Madan Mohan Jha, Rajya Sabha member Akhilesh Prasad Singh, MLC Prem Chandra Mishra and others pedalled their bicycles, carrying placards and banners, to Gandhi Maidan.

“The Narendra Modi government kept on increasing the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG, oblivious of the plight of the people in Bihar,” said Das.

Mishra said Congress was the only party which knew how to control prices despite unfavourable global scenario. “Congress has demonstrated it many times. But the BJP, which came to the power in the name of checking inflation, has been imposing taxes on the common people even in times of crises,” said Mishra.

BPCC chief spokesman Rajesh Kumar Rathore said the party’s agitation would intensify during the monsoon session of the assembly beginning later this month.

Meanwhile, main Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) reviewed its preparations for the two-day agitation against the BJP-led dispensation at the Centre on the same issue. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is recuperating in New Delhi, took to Twitter to call upon workers and supporters to turn up in large numbers and make the protests on July 18 and 19 a grand success.

Talking to media persons, opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said people were seething with rage against the Centre for an unprecedented rise in prices of all commodities. “Prices of petrol and diesel are touching an all-time high. As part of the protest, party workers will stage demonstration at block headquarters on July 18 and district-level protests will be held on July 19,” said Yadav.