Mukul Roy threatens aggressive movement... Train fare raise

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, Siliguri, 21 Jun 2014: Protests have begun nationwide against the increase in train fare and freight charges, with Trinamool Congress general secretary and former Union railway minister Mukul Roy also threatening the BJP government of starting an aggressive movement if the railway ministry does not roll back its move.

Speaking with media persons this afternoon at the Bagdogra airport, Roy said, “We will come out on the roads and stage demonstrations, meetings and rallies if the BJP government does not reverse its decision to increase rail fares.”

On Friday, Union Railways minister Sadananda Gowda announced passenger fares have been raised by 14.2 per cent for all classes, while freight charges have been increased by 6.5 per cent citing negative operating ratio.

Demanding the Centre to take back its decision, the TMC leader said besides hitting hard on commuters, the increase would lead to higher inflation. Roy, who is in Siliguri to attend a crucial meeting to discuss strategies for the upcoming Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad elections, said that BJP has put a huge burden on the common man by raising train fares.

The Left Front has also taken to the streets in Siliguri protesting against the raise and demanding an immediate reversal. The Socialist Unity Centre for India (SUCI) today staged protest rallies near the City Railway Booking Centre, while the Naxalbari zonal committee of the CPM took out a rally at the Bagdogra railway station.