Congress calls Bharat Bandh on September 10 over rising fuel prices

The Congress on Thursday called a ‘Bharat Bandh (nationwide shutdown)’ on September 10 to protest against the rising petrol and diesel prices and said it is in touch with other opposition parties to support its call.

This is the first time in recent years that the party has issued such a call. The main opposition party also claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has made a profit of ₹11 lakh crore due to this “fuel loot” and reiterated its demand to bring petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

“We appeal to people of the country to support and join our Bharat Bandh call on September 10,” Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation Ashok Gehlot told reporters.

Apart from Gehlot, the news conference was addressed by party treasurer Ahmed Patel, his predecessor and general secretary Motilal Vora, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Later, Surjewala claimed that all like-minded opposition parties have agreed to join the Congress. “Consultations are on with other parties. We are yet to consult Bahujan Samaj Party. As far as Trinamool Congress is concerned, it has agreed on the agitation part but will not give a bandh call,” said Patel.

The Samajwadi Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Left parties have supported the Congress’ shutdown call.

Reacting to the call, the BJP accused the Congress of shedding “crocodile tears”, alleging that the Opposition party protected the “price rise mafia” when it was in power and is now “exploiting” the masses.