The Hindu Business Line : Left calls for nationwide bandh on June 13

The Left parties on Tuesday decided to further intensify their agitation against the Government decision to increase petrol price by Rs 4 per litre and diesel price by Rs 2 per litre and has called for a nationwide bandh on June 13.

The BJP said it would start organising nationwide demonstrations and road blockades from Wednesday.

However, no announcement was made on whether it would join the Left parties' call for the bandh.

The trade unions, too, have called for a protest day against all round price hike of essential commodities on the same day.

The Samajwadi Party (SP), Telegu Desam Party (TDP) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) have also decided to join the Left-backed protest.

In talks with others

The CPI(M) leader, Mr Nilotpal Basu, said, "We are approaching like-minded parties to launch a nationwide agitation against the unjustifiable hike."

The Left is also in talks with the JD (Secular), JD (United), DMK and PMK, party sources said.

The Left hardened its stand when the Petroleum Minister, Mr Murli Deora, after a meeting with the Congress President, Ms Sonia Gandhi, reiterated that the Government will not be reducing prices as of now, while the Left and the Opposition were demanding total roll back and adjustment in tax structure.

Partial rollback?

However, highly placed sources from the Left sources did not rule out the possibility of a partial rollback at a later stage, particularly in view of the farmers' requirement of fuel in the ensuing sowing season.

They said that in such a situation the parties would have to meet and workout a strategy but its agitation programme would continue as per plans.

Earlier, during the day, there were strong rumours that the Government may announce a partial roll back in prices following Congress statements that it would appeal to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Petroleum Minister, keeping in mind the sensitivities of the common man.

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