A strike will be held today in the state of West Bengal. The strike has been called by the West Bengal unit of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) to protest the fuel price hike that has been announced by the Union Government.

The West Bengal President of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Shyamal Chakraborty stressed that the Union Government is not telling the correct reasons for the fuel hike. He also severely criticized the Government over this issue.

He pointed that more than 50% cost of the petrol was due to the taxes imposed by the Government. He felt that the Government needs to first analyze its tax policy before burdening the people with high fuel prices.

The role of Trinamool Congress Chief, Mamata Banerjee was also criticized heavily by him and he pointed that she cannot escape from her role, as she was a part of the group of Ministers, who took this decision.

She had interacted with media persons and maintained that she was not happy with this decision, earlier in the day.

But she was still attacked by the left Front over her role in the whole issue. She was reminded that she is a part of the UPA alliance and cannot escape from her role.

This was the second time in the last six months that the Union Government increased the prices of fuel.