Jammu, March 16:
The Jammu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took to the streets today to protest what they described as an “unjustified and crushing” hike in fuel prices under the current National Conference (NC)-led alliance government.
A high-level delegation, led by BJP All Cells Incharge Ved Sharma, met with Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas to submit a formal memorandum demanding an immediate rollback of the price increases.
Key Highlights of the Protest
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Massive Fare Hike: BJP leaders highlighted that transport fares have surged by 18%, directly hitting students and daily wage earners.
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Economic Burden: The party criticized the government for increasing petrol and diesel rates repeatedly over the last financial year.
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Call for Action: Leaders warned of a “strong agitation” across the Union Territory if the administration fails to provide relief.
“Anti-People Policies”
Speaking to reporters outside the DC office, Ved Sharma didn’t mince words. He accused the Omar Abdullah-led administration of betraying the public’s trust.
“Instead of providing relief, this government is aggravating economic hardships. The 18% increase in transport fares is a direct blow to the pockets of the common man, especially the working class and students who have no other choice but to use public transport,” Sharma stated.
The Delegation
The protest saw a significant turnout of party heavyweights and cell convenors, including: Ashu Mahajan (Transport Cell Convenor), Rajesh Gupta (BJP Jammu District President), Deepak Gupta (Industry Cell Convenor), Balvinder Singh (Refugee Cell Convenor) and K.L. Sharma (Ex-Servicemen Cell Convenor).
The leaders argued that the cascading effect of the fuel hike is already being felt in the rising prices of essential commodities, making life difficult for traders and the general public alike.
The BJP has given the government a clear ultimatum: Roll back the prices or face a territory-wide protest. The memorandum urged DC Rakesh Minhas to convey these “grave concerns” to the higher authorities immediately to prevent further public unrest.
