People's Democracy

Chakka Jam Against Petro Hike

A PROGRAMME of chakka jam held on December 2 over half-an-hour across Bengal during the mid-day hours was eminently successful.  The programme was held in protest against the decision by the union government, ignoring the protests of the Left, to hike the prices of petroleum goods.  In the state, more than one-and-a-half thousand transport workers were arrested.  The people took part in, and welcomed the chakka jam, in a very spontaneous manner.  The programme was held under the aegis of the Bengal unit of the CITU-affiliated federation of transport workers’ organisations.

The CITU leadership of the organisations apologised to the people for the inconvenience caused by the programme and said that the chakka jam was organised in the interest of the common man whose interests were adversely affected by the rise in the prices of petroleum goods.  CITU president Shyamal Chakraborti addressing a meeting held on the Sealdah fly-over said that the price hike would push up fares and freight, burdening the common people in the days ahead.

Chakraborti also said that it was feasible on behalf of the union government to reduce the prices of diesel and cooking gas – and to ensure that so got done, a strong movement comprising every section of the people must be launched forthwith.  Transport minister in the Bengal Left Front government and CITU leader, Subhas Chakraborti said addressing a big rally at Nagerbazar at Dumdum that several lakhs of people were involved throughout the state in the chakka jam programme.