Left allies frustrated; government may take back decision to hike fuel price

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With growing incoherence among left allies, the government may soon rescind the controversial move to increase cess on petrol and diesel. There is also indifference over the 20 % hike in the fair price of land. Opposition parties in Kerala staged protests in different parts of Kerala on Saturday against the LDF government’s budget proposal to impose cess on petrol, diesel, and liquor.

Youth Congress workers waved black flags and clashed with police outside the government guest house in Kochi while his convoy left the guest house on Saturday morning. They shouted slogans demanding the rollback of the cess imposed on petrol and diesel.

Many within the inner circle of CPM see ominous days of public dissonance, as the fuel price hike may negatively impact the impending CPM electioneering programs ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The main allies within the CPM government also tilt in favor of the public. Many allies have repudiated the government's stance and are irate over the government for not choosing to discuss the budget with them before presenting it in the assembly. Yesterday, CPM secretary MV Govindan held discussions with the chief minister. LDF convener also opined the same in favor of the public which gives signs of the government vetoing the hike in fuel prices.