Port Blair, April 13: As part of the AICC's nationwide 'Mehangai Mukt Bharat' campaign, the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee staged a sit-in protest titled ‘Mehangai Mukt Bharat’ in Namunaghar Junction here on Tuesday against the price hike of essential commodities including petro-goods.

ANTCC President, Shri. Rangalal Halder along with ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Shri. G Bhasker and DCC President, Shri. V.K Abdul Aziz led a protest against price rise and blamed the central government for price hike.

Speaking to the media, Halder claimed that people are anxious owing to unabated price hikes. During the last one month, prices of petrol-diesel increased by around 14 percent because of which people of the country are in a dire situation. He said that the BJP government was voted to power with the hope of ushering in positive changes. However, the prices of daily essential items and fuel are increasing rapidly.

Bhasker on the occasion said that BJP is not a party; it is actually a corporate and commercial organization. He said that the government is looting the people.

Speaking on the side-lines, Aziz contended that the BJP government is inconveniencing the people by increasing the prices and taxes on essential items and goods. The prices and taxes were increased shortly after BJP won the recent assembly elections. Prior to the election, BJP leaders vowed to work for the welfare of the people but the present scenario says otherwise.

Among others, Congress leaders including City Congress President Shri. Mohd. Zubair, Sevadal Chief Organiser Shri. T. Wajith, Ferrargunj Up-Pramukh Shri. Simson, Zilla Parishad member Shri. P.A Sharfuddin, Mithakhari Panchayat Pradhan, Shri. Mohammed Safiq and others were present in the protest programme.