Members of the CPI(M) and CPI held protests in Visakhapatnam on Friday against the central government's recent fuel price hike, demanding an immediate rollback.
CPI(M) activists gathered near the RTC Complex in Dwarakanagar. They pulled an autorickshaw with ropes in a symbolic act against rising fuel costs.
CPI(M) Visakhapatnam district secretary M. Jaggunaidu criticised the Centre. He said the government had claimed there was no fuel shortage before elections in five states but raised prices immediately after the polls, burdening the public. The hike in petrol and diesel would increase prices of essential commodities, he added.
CPI leaders staged a separate protest near Jagadamba Junction. Activists there pulled two-wheelers with ropes and questioned whether the increase was a gift to the people following the BJP's election victories.