We are in trouble, democracy is in danger: Former CMs Farooq Abdullah, Ashok Gehlot on Bharat bandh 

Senior Congress leaders and former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ashok Gehlot on Monday reacted to the nationwide strike called by the party protesting the rise in fuel prices. 

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah noted that the party which is in power today, the BJP, once protested the rise in fuel prices. 

"Why was there a Bharat bandh in the first place? If you listen to the 2012 speeches of those in power today, they were shouting about petrol and diesel prices. Today the prices are surpassing prices of that time, the rupee has weakened against the dollar. We are in trouble," Abdullah noted. 

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that the Congress party has never believed in calling for a nation-wide strike, because of the incumbent government such a move was taken. 

"People willingly participated in Bharat bandh against the government and taught them a lesson. At least now, the government should reduce prices and mend its way. But they are not worried at all. So, we all need to save democracy. It is in danger," Gehlot told media on Monday. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced a reduction in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 each in the state. 

Naidu's move comes a day after Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Sunday announced a four per cent reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel which will translate into reducing fuel prices by Rs 2.5 per litre in the state.

Fuel prices across the country continued to rise on Monday. Both petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 23 paise after which a litre of petrol costs Rs 88.12 in Mumbai while diesel costs Rs 77.32. 

In Delhi, petrol costs Rs 80.73 and diesel Rs 72.83. In Bengaluru, the petrol price is Rs 83.36 and diesel is Rs 75.18. 

(With inputs from agencies)