BJP to launch statewide stir against price rise in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - The Orissa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to launch a statewide stir from Feb 10 against the government’s failure to check increase in prices of essential commodities, party president Jual Oram said Sunday.

The leaders and activists of the party would stage demonstrations in all districts and sub-divisional headquarters across the state and submit a memorandum to President Pratibha Patil through the local authorities, Oram told IANS.

Accusing the central government and the Orissa government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the price rise, the former union minister said the poor were the worst hit.

Arhar dal which was costing about Rs.30 per kg during the National Democratic Alliance government has gone up to Rs.100, he said.

The price of edible oil per kg which was available at Rs.35 has increased to Rs.100. Sugar which was about Rs.15 per kg has gone up to Rs.50.

“If the prices of essential commodities are not checked it will lead to a more dangerous situation,” Oram said adding that the BJP has planned to intensify its agitation further in the coming days.