Jammu, Apr 7 (UNI) In a striking and symbolic act of protest, the BJP MLA from the Marh constituency, Surinder Kumar, on Monday arrived at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on a bicycle to register his protest against the rising prices of petrol and diesel.

Holding a placard highlighting the unjustified hike, he also voiced strong opposition to the 7 percent increase in fares of electric buses implemented by the National Conference-led government.

Addressing the media outside the Assembly, Kumar said, “I represent a constituency where a large portion of the population is dependent on agriculture. Any increase in fuel prices directly impacts their livelihood. These decisions are nothing short of a burden on the common man.”

He criticized the government's contradictory policies, pointing out that while it announced free travel for women in e-buses and government buses, it simultaneously raised fares of electric buses by 7 percent.

“This is a classic case of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. The government has turned into a pickpocket regime,” he remarked.

Accusing the administration of betraying its electoral promises, Kumar said, “To fulfill their unrealistic campaign promises, the government is now digging into the pockets of ordinary citizens. Within just six months, their true intentions have been exposed.”

He further argued that the benefits of the government's policies are reaching barely 5 percent of the population, while the remaining 95 percent are bearing the cost. Kumar vowed to oppose every anti-people policy and stand firmly with the masses.

This marks the first time in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that an MLA has arrived on a bicycle to protest fuel price hikes, making Surinder Kumar's protest unique.

UNI VBH BD