A novel protest was held by Left party activists carrying gas cylinders and pulling an autorickshaw with ropes at Pandimetta junction on Friday to protest against the steep hike in the prices of diesel, petrol and cooking gas.
The rally was organised by the Jagadamba zone committee of CPI(M).
Addressing the participants, CPI(M) leaders said the BJP leaders had promised to reduce the prices of essential commodities within 100 days of coming to power but conveniently forgot the same.
They said more than the actual price of petrol and diesel, the taxes levied by the Central and State governments were more, and they added up to the overall rise in cost.
The increase in the cost of cooking gas was causing untold hardships to the poor.
The hike in prices of petrol and diesel would have a cascading effect and result in an increase in the prices of all essential commodities.