The fuel price hike drew a sharp attack from the opposition which described the announcement as "the cruel first gift" by the new government.
The fuel price hike drew a sharp attack from the opposition which described the announcement as "the cruel first gift" and a "noble thanksgiving" by the new government but the Congress said it was a tough decision which was unavoidable in larger national interest.
Striking a sarcastic note, BJP said the hike was a "noble thanksgiving" by the UPA dispensation and its first "proven achievement of first 100 days".
"This seems to be a noble thanksgiving of the UPA government to the people of India after formation of the new government. They had reduced the prices of petrol and diesel and after the results and formation of government they have decided to enhance it again," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.
The CPI(M) said the measure was "the cruel first gift" from the new government which it said has shown "contempt" for Parliament by taking such a decision on the "very eve" of the budget session.
In a statement, it also said the hikes were "unjustified and unwarranted" because the international prices of crude oil were still much lower than at their peak last year.
Noting that it will have a cascading impact leading to an all round price rise, the party demanded an immediate roll back of the hike.
Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said, "these are tough decisions but have to be taken in larger national interest."
CPI Secretary D Raja said the increase in fuel prices on the eve of the budget session of Parliament throws to wind principles of executive accountability to Parliament and the "arrogance" of the UPA government.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}