Odisha:BJD protests LPG price hike,warns of statewide agitation
Bhubaneswar, Mar 11 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the principal opposition party in Odisha, on Wednesday, staged a protest here against the recent surge in LPG cylinder prices, cooking oil, and other essential commodities, which they termed an arbitrary price hike.
Hundreds of BJD supporters, including women, youth, students, and common citizens, gathered to voice their anger over the rising costs, which have severely impacted the daily lives of ordinary people.
Members from BJD’s Women, Youth, and Student Wings played a central role in the demonstration, underscoring the growing dissatisfaction across the state.
The protest was led by party leaders: BJD Women’s Wing President Snehangini Churia, BJD Youth Wing President Chinmay Sahu, and BJD Student Wing President Ipsita Sahu, who each condemned the price hikes.
Protesters took to the streets, cooking on wooden stoves while chanting slogans against the state’s BJP government for its alleged neglect and inaction.
Since March 7, domestic LPG cylinder prices have increased by Rs. 60, while the price of commercial cylinders has surged by Rs. 115.
The BJD highlighted that this price escalation is putting additional strain on everyday citizens, small businesses and commercial establishments.
Addressing the protesters, Snehangini Chhuria emphasised that the government’s actions had worsened the financial situation for women, who were already struggling to maintain their household budgets.
She criticised the price hikes for undermining women’s financial security rather than supporting it.
Chinmay Sahu, the Youth Wing President, alleged that the government had failed to pass on the benefits to ordinary citizens.
He accused the “double-engine government” of favouring the interests of oil companies over the welfare of the people and mismanaging the oil trade.
Ipsita Sahu, leading the Student Wing, voiced particular concern for students, many of whom rely on hostels.
She warned that the rising costs would directly impact students’ monthly expenses, including hostel mess bills, significantly burdening their budgets.
The BJD leaders issued a stern warning that, unless there is an assurance of stable LPG supply and a reversal of the price hikes, the party will escalate the protest with a massive statewide agitation in the near future.
