New Delhi: Two key allies of the UPA government - DMK and Trinamool Congress - on Thursday joined the Opposition in the Lok Sabha in criticising the hike in petrol and diesel prices, with the southern party condemning the decision.
Non-Congress parties demanded a roll back in the prices. The issue led to a furore
earlier during the Question Hour, with agitated members of BJP, SP and Left parties forcing the Lok Sabha to adjourn for the day.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora has said that fuel prices could be brought down if there is a change in the global situation.
A number of political parties, including some of those supporting the UPA government, on Thursday came down heavily on the government over the price hikes.
Criticising the government move to hike oil prices before the budget, Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh said the decision is a mockery of Congress' slogan of being with the common man.
"The government's move to hike the prices of petrol and diesel goes against the common man. This makes a mockery of Congress party's slogan of 'Congress Ka Hath, Aam Admi ke Saath'," Singh told reporters outside Parliament in New Delhi.
He said there is a huge difference between what Congress says and does.
"We are in a very ridiculous situation. We are supporting the government but at the same time we are not in the government. We have no information of what is happening and we come to know about the things through newspapers only," Singh said.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad said, "It is an injustice to the poor people of the country. Prices of diesel should rather have been decreased."
BJP vice president Venkaiah Naidu termed the step as "betrayal to the common man" and a "mockery of democracy". (With PTI inputs)