New Delhi: The BJP on Monday claimed that the nationwide shutdown called by the Congress and other opposition parties was "unsuccessful" as people understand the reasons why petrol and diesel prices were going up.
Condemning the incidents of violence during the Bharat Bandh, the BJP called the hike in prices of petroleum products a "momentary difficulty" due to the international crisis.
"Why the people of India are indifferent to Bharat Bandh? They understand the rise in fuel prices, though temporary, is because of factors beyond the control of the Indian government and ordinary Indian," Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media.
He also alleged that a lack of support from people for the bandh has forced the opposition to resort to violence. "Bharat Bandh has been unsuccessful. We condemn the violence being used to instil fear among citizens across the country."
"The petroleum need of the global world today is under severe restrictions because of non-availability and limited supply. We are not trying to justify the price hike. The NDA government has been trying its best to contain inflation. It has succeeded on numerous fronts," said the minister.
Referring to the alleged death of a girl in Jehanabad, Bihar, during the bandh, Prasad demanded to know who was responsible for it.
"Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. A child died after an ambulance was stuck in the protests in Jehanabad."
