Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Protesting the Rs.5-hike in petrol price, over 300 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers blocked traffic and held sit-in demonstrations in the capital Monday morning, throwing traffic movement out of gear.

“The protest began around 10 a.m. and will go on well after noon,” BJP Delhi president Vijender Gupta told IANS.

In the steepest hike so far, petrol price was hiked by Rs.5 per litre with effect from Saturday midnight.

“Since the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government de-regulated petrol prices 11 months back, the petrol price has shot up nine times within a year. The petrol price was Rs.47.93 in April 2010 and has now gone up to Rs.63.37,” Gupta said.

“It has become more like a rich man’s fuel. It is difficult for the common man to survive,” Gupta said.

According to traffic helpline, vehicular movement was slow in areas like Uttam Nagar, Moti Nagar, near Richi Rich Hotel and Nirman Vihar Metro Station on Vikas Marg.

“As a result of the dharna, traffic at many important locations was blocked,” a traffic police official said.

When asked why the protest was organised at peak office hour, Gupta said: “We were very much aware that it will be a problem for the commuters, but we had no other option. We wanted every one to know and join us on the wake-up call to the government.”

“We want to pressurise the government and want them to take back their decision of the petrol price hike,” Gupta said.

The protests started from Akshardham Temple, and spread to Red Fort, BRT Corridor Ambedkar Nagar, Subash Nagar, and Moti Nagar crossing.

From there, the protest action will shift to Khajoori crossing, Welcome Metro station in east Delhi, Nirman Vihar Metro station on Vikas Marg, Mukarba Chowk Jahangir Puri, Hamdard Chowk (M.B Road), Patparganj Mother Dairy, Nanak Pura Gurudwara Moti Bagh Ring Road and Mangol Puri, Gupta said.