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Supporters of Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday took to the streets to protest against the Centre’s twin “anti-people” reforms. They warned the government of strict action if it doesn’t retract from its decisions. Protesting against the recent hike in diesel prices and the government’s nod to FDI in retail sector, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, however, made it clear that the TMC would not pull out of the coalition yet. Addressing a public rally here, Banerjee said, “We are not in favour of toppling the government. But they should not forget the lakshman rekha of the alliance. We will not agree with any anti-people decisions. We have given 72-hour deadline to rethink, if you roll back, it's good. But if not, then be ready to face the consequences.” “I don't agree with such economic reforms which are anti-people because I believe in grass root reforms which concern the masses. Leaders should stop taking decisions that help only four-five people for gaining personal laurels from handful of people. It is a matter of entire country,” she added, launching a veiled attack on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. “Everybody should think about the common masses of the country rather than the creamy section of the society, because creamy section makes one percent and common masses make the rest 99 percent of the population,” she said. Earlier on Thursday, the government announced a hike in diesel price by Rs. 5 a litre and capped supply of subsidized cooking gas cylinders per family to six per year. The next day, it decided to allow up to 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail.

Mamata opposes diesel price hike, FDI, warns Centre of stern action