MNS backs July 5 'Bharat bandh'

The Raj Thackeray-led MNS today said it would support the `Bharat bandh' on July 5 called by Opposition parties to protest against the fuel price hike.

"We are joining the bandh to awaken the UPA Government," Raj said in a statement here. Petrol is costlier by Rs 4 a litre in Mumbai than in Delhi, while LPG price is higher by Rs 45 per cylinder, Raj pointed out.

"How come the burden of inflation on the Marathi people is more than those in Delhi?" he asked.

Raj appealed to the Marathi people to participate in the shutdown by closing down all their businesses and establishments for the day.

Essential services like water, milk and electricity supply should be excluded from the bandh, he added.