The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday launched a sharp attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments at the Centre and in Bihar over the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices. The party alleged that the increase was deliberately delayed until the conclusion of the assembly elections.
RJD's Allegations Against NDA
RJD state president Mangni Lal Mandal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments of imposing an 'inflation burden' on the public immediately after the polls. He alleged that the Centre waited for the electoral process to end before increasing fuel prices to benefit its 'capitalist friends'.
Targeting the Bihar government, Mandal said it remained a 'silent spectator' while people suffered from rising fuel costs. He alleged that the high Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by the state, along with profiteering by the Centre, amounted to a coordinated attempt to extract money from the public.
Impact on Common People
Mandal stated that the hike would increase transportation and irrigation costs, pushing up prices of essential commodities and hitting poor and middle-class families the hardest. He demanded that the Bihar government reduce taxes and VAT on fuel, warning that the party would launch a statewide agitation if no relief was provided.
RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav termed the hike unjustified and harmful to the economy. He alleged that the BJP raised concerns over foreign exchange conservation only after the elections ended.
