Calling the hike in prices of petroleum products a "momentary difficulty" due to the international crisis, the BJP on Monday, September 10 slammed the Congress and other opposition parties for the incidents of violence during the protest.
The Bharatiya Janata Party also claimed that the shutdown was "unsuccessful" because people understood the reasons why petrol and diesel prices were going up.
"Why are the people of India 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. This is a problem whose solution is not in our hands," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Prasad further added that petrol and diesel prices are high due to the crisis in the international market and the NDA government has been working very hard to resolve people's problems.
"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," he said, adding that inflation was 10.4 percent between 2009-14 of UPA rule and is now 4.7 percent.
The BJP leader threw a challenge to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to debate on his charges against the government on the economic situation of the country.
"You are a renowned economist while I am a small worker of the BJP. I am ready to debate with him in the Parliament on these issues," he said. Manmohan Singh, earlier, hit out at the Modi government for the crisis-like all-around situation in the country due to rising fuel prices and farm distress.
"Everyone has a right to protest, but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses are being set ablaze, putting lives at risk. A child died after an ambulance was stuck in the protests in Jehanabad. Who is responsible?" he said.
"It is the essence of democracy that hospitals, ambulances, and medicine shops are allowed to function without any hindrance. But, with the death of a 2-year-old in Bihar today, an environment of fear is being created. People are suffering and facing hardships. In a democracy, people have the right to protest, but without indulging in violence," he said.
