erupted across Assam against the steep hike of over Rs 7.50 per litre in petrol prices announced by oil marketing companies yesterday.
Effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy were burnt at many places across the state and public meetings and dharnas held to demand a roll-back in petrol prices.
In the state capital Guwahati, activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party burnt effigies of Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
"Similar protests were held in Dibrugarh also. Our aim was to highlight before the people the failure of the UPA government to curb inflation," BJP state legislature party leader Prashant Phukan said.
The Left parties also held dharnas and demonstrations in various districts.
In Guwahati, the CPI and the CPI(M) held a joint demonstration in front of the deputy commissioner's office.
"Besides, our party members held protest rallies at all district centres, including a rasta roko at Goalpara" CPI(M) state committee member Suprakash Talukdar said.
The two Left parties, along with the CPI(ML)-Liberation, are planning a series of joint agitations beginning May 31 to demand a roll-back in the petrol prices.
The All Assam Students Union and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad today took out rallies and held demonstrations at various parts of Assam.
