This refers to “Open and shut case” (July 5) where you castigate the BJP and the Left parties for the all-India bandh called for by them in protest against the fuel price hike and on the issue of overall inflation levels. You are probably right that this causes disruption to the economy and is a problem for those going to work.
But the larger point that hasn’t been addressed is: What are the possible ways for the Opposition to adopt? If a government doesn’t listen, how is the Opposition supposed to get attention? It has to be through bandhs. You would say it has to be done through Parliament but this is no longer as effective — the ruling party is only concerned about Parliament during the Budget session.
Nor is it true that the government has no option but to raise rates in tandem with global crude oil prices. Around half, or even more, of the current market price of petroleum products is made up of central and state taxes. Why not make a move to reduce these?
Ashok Sinha, New Delhi
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