Amid rising fuel prices, Congress member wants bullock cart
What's the story
Taking a funny dig at the BJP, Uttar Pradesh Congress MLC Deepak Singh has written to the principal secretary of the Vidhan Parishad seeking an entry pass for a bullock cart so that he could attend meetings, without spending a fortune on fuel. Singh's dig at the BJP comes after fuel prices rose for the twelfth consecutive day. Here's more.
Quote
What Singh wrote to the Vidhan Parishad principal secretary
"As the Bharatiya Janata Party government has failed to control the prices of petrol and diesel, I request you to issue me an entry pass for a bullock cart through 2018. I can use it to ferry myself as well as other members," Singh wrote.
Fuel prices
Where fuel prices stand after 12th consecutive hike
New, increased petrol prices came into effect from today - Rs. 77.83 per litre in Delhi, Rs. 85.65 in Mumbai, Rs. 80.47 in Kolkata, and Rs. 80.80 in Chennai. Meanwhile, per litre diesel prices also spiked to Rs. 68.75 in Delhi, Rs. 73.20 in Mumbai, Rs. 71.30 in Kolkata, and Rs. 72.58 in Chennai. Petroleum and gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured relief soon.
Opposition parties
Opposition parties are all targeting the Centre for the hike
With fuel prices on an uncontrollable rise despite government assurances, Opposition parties have been lampooning the BJP government for the price hike. Before Singh's letter, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had taken to Twitter to criticize and challenge PM Modi, who had accepted a fitness challenge from Virat Kohli, but had remained silent on the fuel price hike.
Twitter Post
Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at PM Modi
Dear PM,
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 24, 2018
Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me:
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.
I look forward to your response.#FuelChallenge
Betrayal Day
Congress to observe 26th May as 'Betrayal Day'
The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress has also decided to observe 26th May as 'Betrayal Day' on account of the alleged failures of the Modi government to curb corruption in the country and control fuel prices, despite tall promises. Congress workers are slated to hold demonstrations at all district headquarters. Further, state Congress chief Raj Babbar will lead a rally at Lucknow.