Petrol price hike: Govt should keep in mind common man- Cong

New Delhi, June 2 (UNI) The Congress today expressed the hope that the Government would keep in mind the interests of farmers, common men and women before effecting any hike in the price of petrol in the near future.

"Although the Congress is aware of the increase in the international price of petrol and the resultant compulsions of the Government, whatever decision it takes it must keep in view the interests of these sections of people," Congress Spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told media persons here.

Asked about the rigid stand of the Left parties on the proposed hike in petrol price, he said," we hope tbe Government will take the concerns of the common man, women and farmers into account. There is no scope for disruptive tactics." Replying to a question, Mr Singhvi said an increase in the price of petrol had become unavoidable as the international oil situation was not entirely within the control of the Government.

When pointed out that the release of controversial film Da Vinci Code had been banned in some Congress-ruled States, the Congress Spokesman said this had been done keeping in view the local conditions. A particular state was free to take its own decision in this regard. There was no question of an all India policy on the matter,he said in reply to a question.

UNI YS RP PC1816