Bharat Bandh today: Petrol price hike fuels Oppn fire against BJP

NCP, MNS, SP, PWP support Congress’ first attempt to unite the Opposition

MUMBAI: The Congress-led Bharat Bandh on Monday to protest the hike in fuel prices will see all Opposition parties in the state come together against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In Mumbai, the bandh call got a shot in the arm on Sunday, with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) lending its support.

The MNS’ support could have an impact on Mumbai, given the party’s strong arm tactics in the past. The party has directed its workers to be on the streets on Monday. The move is significant ahead of the 2019 polls, as it indicates the MNS is aligning with the Opposition against the Bjpled government.

The other parties that will rally together include Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), factions of the Republican Party of India led by Jogendra Kawade and Rajendra Gawai, Samajwadi Party, Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), Left parties and the Swabhimani Shetkari Paksha (SSP).

While the state said the bandh was unlikely to have any impact, the Opposition will try to show their strength. In Mumbai, there could be disturbance in some pockets, even though the Opposition parties clarified that schools and essential supplies will not be hit.

This is Congress’ first effort to unite the opposition. “The bandh, irrespective of the political affiliation, is meant to highlight the cause of common man,” said state Congress chief Ashok Chavan, in a press conference.

Chavan said he requested Sena MP Sanjay Raut to come on board twice, but got no response from the party. “There is talk about petrol and diesel being brought under GST. We appreciate it, but until it is implemented, we demand the central excise duty and other tax levied by the Centre and state be reduced,” he said.

Thackeray released a letter addressed to citizens on Sunday afternoon, stating his party’s support and active participation in the bandh. “We should ensure success of the bandh, so the government sitting in Delhi realises its mistakes,” said Thackeray in the letter, which was also released on social media. He also went a step further, asking all

Maharashtrians to unite for the bandh. “I urge all citizens of Maharashtra to put aside their political and ideological differences and support the bandh.”

Defending its move that may inconvenience people, days ahead of Ganpati, the main festival for the party’s support base, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said, “We request Maharashtri- ans travelling to their native places to step out after 5pm.”

“We have spoken to traders’ associations and prominent citizens to support our cause,” said Mumbai NCP chief Sachin Ahir.

“The important part is MNS’ strategy to coordinate with other parties against the BJP,” said political analyst Surendra Jondhale.