New Delhi, Sep 6: Stage is set for a Bharat Bandh (nationwide shutdown) as the Congress and Left parties on Thursday announced to hold a nationwide strike against the Modi government over steep rise in petrol and diesel prices. Hours after the Congress called for a Bharat Bandh on September 10, Left parties also announced to hold protests over fuel price rise, farmers' issues and unemployment.

The Congress called the steep rise in fuel prices a 'fuel loot'. "The mismanagement of economy has led to high prices. When fuel prices were rising during the UPA regime, taxes were reduced to take the burden off the people. But due to the mismanagement by the current government, the prices of petrol, diesel and gas cylinders have gone up steeply," Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said at a press conference.

"We decided for the Bharat Bandh call today after a meeting of all party general secretaries and the state leaders," Gehlot said, adding the party was in touch with other opposition parties for their support. During the Bharat Bandh, Congress workers would protest at petrol stations across the nation between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Congress also asked other opposition parties and civil society groups to join their protest against the government.

Hours after, the Left parties called for a protest on September 10 on increase in price of petrol and diesel, problem of farmers and unemployment issue. Reacting to the call for Bharat Bandh, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Congress of shedding 'crocodile tears' over rising fuel prices, saying the opposition party gave protection to the “price rise mafia” when it was in power and is now 'exploiting' the masses.

“It gave protection to price rise mafia when it was in power. It is now shedding crocodile tears to exploit people," Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, adding that the fuel prices will come down soon. The Congress’ concern is 'fake' and the party is master of such 'frauds', he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 09:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).