Sharad for 'Bharat bandh' against price rise

Accusing the Congress-led government of cheating the common man, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) president Sharad Yadav today called for a "Bharat bandh" by opposition parties against price rise.

Accusing the Congress-led government of cheating the common man, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) president Sharad Yadav on Saturday called for a "Bharat bandh" by opposition parties against price rise.

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Yadav told media persons here that he will talk to leaders of various political parties to decide a date for the shutdown.

"They (parties) should forego their differences and decide a single date for the Bharat bandh," said Yadav, who is also the convenor of the National Democratic Alliance.

Accusing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of failing to check rising prices, Yadav said his main achievement in the past six years has been the Indo-US nuclear deal.

"Food inflation is increasing by the day, making life difficult for people. But the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government is busy making arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. What is the use of this show when common people of the country are finding it difficult to survive?" he said.

Yadav said that increase in prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas, announced by the government on Friday, would further push up prices of essentials and food.

"The poor are being hit hard by the constant rise in prices of all the commodities. The UPA is not for common man but for the rich people only," he said.

He said his party's relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were "on track" in Bihar.