Farmers Movement Archive

Bihar: Opposition members adopt unique ways to protest fuel price rise

PATNA: The budget session of the state legislature, which started on February 19, has seen members of opposition parties adopting novel ways to protest frequent rise in prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders. The opposition legislators are also highlighting the problems faced by farmers and their nationwide agitation against the three farm laws enacted by the Centre. Leader of opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav took to the unique way of highlighting the problems of farmers. On February 22, when deputy CM-cum-finance minister Tarkishore Prasad was to present the state budget in the state assembly, Tejashwi, accompanied by his two staff, started from his official residence for the assembly driving a tractor to show his support to the farmers’ agitation and protest against the rise in prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders. The image immediately went viral on the social media. Since the entry of a tractor into the campus of the state assembly is not allowed, security persons stopped Tejashwi at the main gate. “We are with the farmers. There has been frequent increase in prices of petrol and diesel. It has been done to dampen the spirits of the farmers,” Tejashwi had said. Such novel ways of protests have been on display on the campus of the state legislature right from February 19, the day the governor addressed the joint session of the state legislature in the central hall. As far as the state assembly is concerned, the opposition members have not protested on its floor, except the adjournment notice that was served on one occasion, which, however, was rejected by Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha. The members have also been asked not to display placards in the House. First-time RJD MLA from Mahua, Mukesh Raushan, had arrived on the assembly premises on February 19 riding a bicycle from Hajipur. “There has been steep rise in the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders. People have started abandoning their vehicles,” Raushan had said. The Congress members led by Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Pratima Kumari displayed an earthen oven to protest against price rise. They stood in the open lawn of the state assembly, as the House members are not allowed to make any kind of protest in the portico of the assembly building. “The prices of LPG cylinders have become unbearable for the people. They are abandoning LPG cylinders and reverting back to using fuel wood for cooking purposes. It is quite visible in the villages,” Khan had said.

The Times of India

2021-02-26

Patna