INDIA
Her statement came after the UPA partner registered strong protest with the Centre against the petrol price rise.
Despite the Trinamool Congress' protest against the petrol price hike and stiff opposition to any increase in LPG price, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni today described it as "an important and respected ally" which would be consulted on all important issues.
"The Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee is a respected and an important ally and we would like to take her along with us and talk to her on all important issues," Soni told reporters on the sidelines of the annual convocation of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute here.
Her statement came after the Trinamool Congress, the second largest partner of the UPA, registered strong protest yesterday with the Centre against the petrol price hike alleging it was not consulted before its announcement.
The I&B minister clarified that petrol had been decontrolled and as such it was not in the hands of the government.
"However, it is unfortunate that it has happened," she said.
Referring to the high inflation rate, she said the prime minister and the finance minister were "sensitive" to the problem being faced by the common people.
"They have assured of taking some steps to bring down the high rate of inflation," she said.
Banerjee, who did not make any comment yesterday on the petrol price increase, said during the day that frequent rise in the prices of the fuel was not desirable.
"We don't want another petrol price hike and we have already conveyed our viewpoint to the Centre," Banerjee told reporters at the secretariat.
She said frequent hikes pushed up prices of essential commodities and this had been conveyed to the Centre through the party's All-India General Secretary Mukul Roy.
Expressing opposition to an LPG price hike, she said that her party did not stop with just protesting, but gave relief to common people in the past, whereas the CPI(M) never did anything for them when prices were raised when the party was in power.
Banerjee referred to the reduction of VAT on LPG by Rs16 per cylinder by her government in the previous instance of petrol and LPG price hike.
'Modi bunkers' back in use amid fear of escalation along LoC after Pahalgam massacre
RCB youngster mocked with meme for shadowing Virat Kohli, his reply stumps everyone - Watch
Deepika Padukone swears by HIFU treatment for radiant skin: Here's everything you need to know
'Single for over...': Shubman Gill clears air on Sara Tendulkar dating rumours, watch video
Over 400 injured in explosion at port in Iran's Bandar Abbas city, several feared dead
Bill Gates' Microsoft gives five-day ultimatum to employees, asks them to join a rigorous PIP or...
Attempt to grope breasts is 'aggravated sex assault' but 'not rape,' says Calcutta High Court
Anant Ambani appointed as whole-time director of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries
Who was Misha Agrawal? Social media influencer who died two days before her 25th birthday
Will Seema Haider have to leave India over order to expel Pakistani nationals? She says...
Mumbai: One woman dead, six suffer from suffocation after fire breaks out in Andheri apartment
DNA Verified: Viral video claims massive fire at Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport, truth is...
J-K: Anantnag Police intensifies anti-terror operations following Pahalgam attack
Pakistan ready for neutral probe, says Shehbaz Sharif on Pahalgam terror attack
India shares evidence of Pakistan link in Pahalgam terror attack with foreign govts: Report
Houses of 5 terrorists across Jammu and Kashmir demolished days after Pahalgam terror attack
Who owns Vande Bharat, Shatabdi Express coaches? Not Indian Railways, their real owners are...
Zeenat Aman is hospitalised, shares health update from 'recovery room': 'I've abandoned my...'
'That was a bad one,' says US President Donald Trump on Pahalgam terror attack
Nita Ambani keeps it chic and simple in black co-ord set during New York outing
Ground Zero box office collection day 1: Emraan Hashmi scores third-lowest opener, collects only...
Banks Holidays: Branches to be closed for 4 days In THESE states till April 30, check details
Optical Illusion: Find the hidden cat among the blueberries, only 1% of people can spot it
CSK vs SRH: Mohammed Shami creates history, becomes first bowler in IPL to achieve THIS special feat
Viral video: Bengaluru professor nails Muqabala steps, internet crowns him ‘Mechanical Jackson’
Kashmiris unite against Pahalgam attack, but will India's response squander their sympathy?
Sundar Pichai reveals AI writes nearly 30% of Google’s code, says company focused on building...
Pony ride operator detained in J&K after tourist accuses him of asking about religion in viral video
Russian Embassy warns its citizens against travelling to Pakistan after Pahalgam massacre
Viral video: Hong Kong vlogger orders vada pav in Marathi, netizens say 'her accent is cute'
IPL 2025 playoffs scenario: How can Rajasthan Royals still qualify after loss against RCB?
Sister of terrorist, believed to be behind Pahalgam massacre, admits her brother is a 'Mujahideen'
Has Islamic State made its bases in Jammu and Kashmir? Why did terrorists ask to recite 'kalma'?
Viral Video: Delhi metro turns karaoke stage as elderly men sing ‘pyaar hua Ikrar hua', WATCH
Bad news for employees of this company as Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms takes big step