BJP stages protest against price rise in Chhattisgarh - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists on Monday pedalled through the streets of Raipur in protest against escalating food prices. The cycle rally saw BJP ministers and MLA ride 12 kilometres across the city. The rally kicked off at the home of the state's Cultural Minister, Brijmohan Aggarwal, and ended at the State Assembly. Chief Minister Raman Singh, who took part in the rally, said it is the man on the street that has had to bear the brunt of rising prices. "The common man is suffering from rising food prices. They (Indian government) should make some provisions in the Budget for them. Cooking oil and pulses should be cheaper. We are taking part in this rally to support the cause of the common man. This is why we are going to the State Assembly, where outside the statue of (Mahatma) Gandhi, we will protest so that the Indian government takes notice and can bring some happiness back into the life of the man on the street," said Singh. The BJP points the finger of blame at the Indian government, saying their policies are the reason behind recent spiralling prices. Food prices rose 17.9 percent in the 12 months to January 30, higher than an annual rise of 17.6 percent in the previous week, according to data released on Thursday. Rising inflation, particularly food inflation, has sparked street protests and put political pressure on the Congress-led government to find a solution without hurting economic recovery.