Opposition seeking support of trade unions, students for bandh: Sharad Yadav

Opposition parties have sought the support of trade unions, traders bodies, youth organisations and student wings for their nation-wide 'Bharat Bandh' on July 5 against fuel price hike, JD-U President Sharad Yadav said today.

"All preparations have been made for the Bharat Bandh, which will be a historic one. We are working on a war-footing to bring everyone together and are talking to TUs, traders bodies, youth organisations and student bodies to get their support for the bandh," Yadav told reporters here.

In a concerted effort by opposition parties to take on the government on the issue of fuel price hike, the BJP-led NDA and Left parties have separately given the call for Bharat Bandh on the same day.

Parties which are participating in the bandh include BJP, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, JD-U, CPI-M, CPI, Forward Block, RSP, AIADMK, PMK, MDMK TDP, BJD, JD(S), AGP, Akali Dal and INLD.

"The ruling party has been under the misconception that the opposition is divided. This bandh call has broken the myth and showed that the entire opposition is one on the issue of price rise. This unity of the opposition will continue from the streets to Parliament," Yadav, who is also the convenor of NDA, said.

Most of these political parties have their affiliated trade unions, which are expected to join the nation-wide bandh. Yadav said that Hind Mazdoor Sangh has already extended its support to the bandh.

Lashing out at the Central government and Congress, the JD-U chief said,"this government has completely failed to control prices...it has given the impression of being helpless and has not at all been sincere in its efforts to check price spiral."

Likening the the situation to one during the Emergency days, he said, "The moment has come now to revolt against this government's actions." He said agriculture production has also come down due to "wrong policies" of the government.

Yadav claimed the Bharat Bandh will be "a strong protest against the misrule of Congress and UPA." He urged the people of the national capital "to wake up" and "shake this government up".

"Check prices or leave the chair (Dam roko ya gaddi chhoro), price rise affects all communities (Hindu Muslim Sikh, Isai, sabke ghar me hai mahangai)," will be some of the Opposition's slogans during the agitation, he said.

All essential services like supply of water, milk, electricity, hospital and emergency services will be exempt from the purview of the bandh.