Ruling Samajwadi Party calls for general strike on June 13

Lucknow, June 6 (UNI) Ruling Samajwadi Party today called for a 'general strike' on June 13 in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country to protest hike in the prices of essential commodities including petrole.

''SP and left parties have jointly given call for the strike against price hike of essential commodities,'' SP general secretary Amar Singh said here.

Talking to reporters, Mr Singh said SP had earlier announced to hold demonstrations at district headquarters on June 13, but after the price hike in petroleum products last night, the party was ''forced'' to call a general strike to oppose the hike.

Mr Singh claimed the ''Sonia-Manmohan government'' at the Centre had proved an ''anti-people regime.'' ''Through the general strike, the party workers would try to make people aware about the lapses of the centre.'' ''The petrol price hike will certainly increase the prices of other commodities. It will only heighten the sufferings of people,'' Mr Singh claimed.

Clarifying that June 13 was a general strike and not a state-wide bandh, the SP leader said, ''We will urge the masses to support us.'' Asked if the state government would waive the 21 per cent trade tax imposed on petroleum products to give some reprieve to the people in the state, the UP Development Council chairman said it was a small amount and revenue collected through the tax was spent on development works.

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