We will fight against the hike, says Mulayam

Samajwadi Party president and the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mulayam Singh, has deplored the hike in the prices of petroleum products.

“We oppose the price rise, which would lead to further escalation in inflation. Our party will fight against it,” said Mr. Singh.

He was here to attend a function held in honour of those jailed during the Emergency.

“Whenever the Congress is in power, the prices go up. The party's decision-makers are hand in glove with traders and big business houses. They fight elections and win with the support of these people,” Mr. Singh, whose party is supporting the UPA government, told journalists.

Mr. Singh, accompanied by the Rajasthan unit general secretary Anil Shekhawat and MLA Suraj Bhan, indicated that his estranged one-time close friend, Amar Singh, is not likely to return to the party.

“In the case of Jaswant Singh, the dialogue has been on for some time. In the other case, there is no such thing,” he said.