AIADMK holds protests against fuel price hike

“State government should come forward to cancel sales tax on petrol and diesel”

The AIADMK on Saturday held demonstrations here urging the Centre to withdraw the excise duty hike on petrol and diesel.

In south Chennai the protest was held near Panagal Building. The north Chennai unit organised a demonstration near the Collectorate.

‘Raise voice against Centre'

AIADMK leader in the Rajya Sabha, V. Maitrayen, who led the protest, said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi should raise his voice against the Centre since his letter demanding withdrawal of excise duty had failed to have the desired effect. “The State government should come forward to cancel the sales tax on petrol and diesel so that their price will not go up further.”

Party MLAs G. Senthamilan, Badar Sayeed, V.P. Kalairajan and others participated.

In north Chennai, the leaders arrived at the protest venue in a bullock cart, raising slogans that the increase in the fuel prices had led to substantial hike in prices of essential commodities.

AIADMK MLA P.K. Sekar Babu, who led the agitation, said the prices of kerosene and cooking gas would also be increased soon, which would severely affect the people who were reeling under the price rise.

Party's presidium chairman E. Madhusoothanan and MLA K. Srinivasan were among those who participated.