Although the Trinamool Congress did not press for a roll back on the recent increase in fuel prices, the party leadership on Monday maintained that despite being in the Union Cabinet, Mamata Banerjee was not consulted before the Centre announced its latest decision.
Instead, the Trinamool took out a procession here blaming the State government for failing to check price rise.
“If Mamata Banerjee had known that about the decision to increase the price of petrol, she would certainly have protested it. She has been denied the opportunity to oppose the decision, so the Trinamool has taken to the streets to register our protest,” Sudip Bandopadhyay, senior Trinamool leader and MP told journalists.
However, the party does not have plans to demand a roll back on the recent hike in fuel prices, he added.
Mr. Bandopadhyay also reiterated the party's demand for the setting up of a co-ordination committee that shall include all constituents of the UPA government so that these decisions can be taken collectively after holding discussions.
Alleging that the State government was also responsible for the escalating prices as it had not adequately controlled black marketers and hoarders, he said the Centre had given adequate powers to the States in this regard, but the Left Front government had failed.
The venue of the Trinamool procession had to be changed at the last minute because of an ongoing protest at the same venue as a result of which traffic was completely thrown off gear.