Haryana fuel price hike: INLD protests cite inflation, jobs, and public services concerns

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) staged protests across Haryana against recent increases in petrol, diesel, and cooking gas prices. INLD president Rampal Majra said inflation is straining household budgets and criticised the BJP-led state government over unmet promises. The party also raised concerns about unemployment, shortages of doctors and teachers, and corruption.

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) held protests across Haryana on Monday over higher fuel prices. The party said rising costs have increased pressure on household budgets. INLD leaders alleged that recent increases in petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices were sharp. The party also linked the issue to wider inflation in daily goods.

At a protest in Kaithal, INLD president Rampal Majra said inflation has broken the back of the common man. Majra told reporters that cement, sand, gravel and other materials have also become costlier. Majra said the government has not kept prices under control. Majra added that people now feel helpless.

INLD fuel price hike protests highlight Haryana inflation

INLD workers staged several symbolic actions in Kaithal during the protest. At Pehowa Chowk, INLD women workers smashed earthen pots on the road. In other parts of Kaithal and elsewhere in the state, women carried green earthen pots on their heads. Workers raised slogans against the fuel price hike, while male workers marched with flags and posters.

Majra also targeted the BJP-led state government over unmet commitments. Majra alleged that promises made to the public remain incomplete. Majra said youths are not getting jobs. Majra also claimed hospitals face a shortage of doctors and schools lack teachers. Majra further alleged corruption is widespread.

INLD leaders led demonstrations in several districts as part of the statewide action. INLD patron Sampat Singh led the protest in Hisar. Party MLA Aditya Devi Lal led the protest in Palwal. INLD state womens wing in-charge Sunaina Chautala led the protest in Fatehabad district. The party said the protests focused on fuel prices and essentials.

INLD fuel price hike protest in Rohtak sees clash with police

In Rohtak, a protest led by INLDs Rania MLA Arjun Chautala saw a confrontation with Superintendent of Police SP Gaurav Rajpurohit. Protesters gathered at Rohtaks Mini Secretariat to submit a memorandum. The memorandum was addressed to the prime minister on the fuel price hike issue. Protesters wanted Rohtak Deputy Commissioner DC Sachin Gupta to accept it.

Protesters refused to hand the memorandum to any official other than Gupta. When Gupta arrived, Chautala said protesters had waited three hours. Chautala then pointed towards Rajpurohit and said, "Do your duty if you want to, but do not teach me how to talk.\" A video of the exchange has circulated online. Gupta left soon after receiving the memorandum.

The Haryana IPS Association criticised Chautalas conduct towards Rajpurohit. It said, \"The incident in Rohtak, in which a public representative tried to browbeat the district administration without any provocation, was in poor taste and deserves condemnation.\" The association’s statement followed the exchange during the memorandum submission. The protest remained focused on fuel prices and inflation.

With inputs from PTI