New Delhi:
Politicians across the board are criticising the government over the hike in diesel prices. Even allies like the DMK, which is part of the UPA government and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which provides crucial external support, have strongly criticised it. The ruling Congress says the government is doing a fine balancing act.
Here are some of the political reactions:
M Karunanidhi, DMK Chief: Centre allowing oil companies to hike diesel price is wrong. This will pave the way for rise in prices of other commodities. Middle classes won't be able to bear the price hike of 50 paise.
Mayawati, BSP Chief: It is amply clear that the Congress is not with the
aam aadmi. They are in favour of industrialists and the rich. While increasing diesel prices, usage should be kept in mind. It will adversely impact the poor people, farmers.
Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress Chief: This government is an exploiter of the poor people. After hike in rail fares and the price of petrol, the rise in diesel prices will add to the woes of the common man groaning under the impact of the price rise.
Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development: Diesel subsidy is a perverse subsidy; we're a responsible government, the hike was needed.
Digvijaya Singh, Senior Congress leader: We are subsidizing diesel. Only 12% of consumers are farmers. Once we deregulate, government of India should think of subsiding them through dual pricing or cash subsidy. Party in power has to balance between essential issues of governance and public good.
Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party: This price hike will increase the burden in the common man. Prices of everyday commodities will increase. Samajwadi Party will protest this in the House and even outside the house. We will protest against anti-people's policies.