Ruling coaltion partner Trinamool plans street protests over petrol hike

The Trinamool Congress, the Congress Party's biggest partner in the ruling UPA government at the centre, on Sunday slammed the decision of the state-owned oil marketing companies to hike petroleum prices, saying it would take to the streets in protest.

Union railways minister Mamata Banerjee, chief of the Trinamool, said her party had not been consulted before taking the decision. Trinamool will hit the streets on Monday in protest.

''We did not know about this. Nobody discussed anything with us before taking the decision. We will launch a strong agitation against the decision,'' said Banerjee.

She said Trinamool workers throughout the state, including Kolkata, would take to the streets in protest against the decision through rallies. There would be rallies in every block of the state.

''We are always with the people,'' Banerjee added. ''That is why I have not increased railway fares."

But Banerjee also lambasted the Leftist West Bengal government for the price hike of essential commodities. ''They are also responsible. There is a huge cess. The state government should reduce cess and taxes, which can bring down prices,'' said Banerjee.