A Cry from the Streets: Mangaluru Women Take on the Fuel Price Shock

Mangaluru, a city often buzzing with its usual rhythm, found a different kind of energy near the iconic Clock Tower recently. It wasn't the usual market bustle or the murmur of daily life; no, this was a chorus of discontent, rising sharply against a decision that, many feel, truly pinches where it hurts most.

The Congress party's women's wing – the formidable Mahila Congress – stepped out, placards in hand, voices amplified, to unequivocally protest the state government’s latest move: a rather significant hike in the price of petrol and diesel. You could almost feel the collective frustration simmering, the sentiment clear: enough is enough.

Led by District Mahila Congress President Shalet Pinto, the protest wasn't just a routine demonstration; it was a poignant expression of a burden that, honestly, is growing heavier by the day for ordinary folks. Petrol, now dearer by Rs 3 per litre, and diesel, by an even steeper Rs 3.50, isn't just a number on a pump; it translates directly into tighter budgets, tougher commutes, and, well, just more worry for families already stretching every rupee.

Think about it: the auto-rickshaw drivers, the taxi drivers, the daily wage earners — their livelihoods are directly tied to these prices. And for everyone else? Groceries, basic necessities, all tend to climb in price when transportation costs jump. It's a domino effect, you see, and it always seems to land squarely on the common man’s plate.

But here’s the rub, isn't it? Many present couldn't help but recall a time, not so long ago, when the Congress, then in opposition, vehemently criticized the BJP government for similar fuel price increases. They promised, quite explicitly, to roll back prices if they came to power. And now? Now that they hold the reins, the very same actions are being taken. It leaves one wondering, doesn't it, about consistency, about promises made on the campaign trail versus the harsh realities of governance?

Pinto herself didn't shy away from pointing out this apparent contradiction, demanding, quite vocally, that the government explain itself. The common justification, of course, revolves around funding the state’s much-talked-about guarantee schemes. But for those struggling to make ends meet, that explanation, you could say, feels a little hollow when their wallets are lighter.

The message from the Mahila Congress was stark: withdraw this hike, and withdraw it now. They weren’t just asking politely; they warned of more intense protests, of a bigger, louder movement if their demands went unheeded. And indeed, their grievances weren't confined solely to fuel; they also voiced strong objections to recent increases in property tax and electricity charges. It paints a picture, honestly, of a general feeling of economic pressure mounting from multiple fronts.

As the slogans echoed through the air – a determined, unwavering sound – it was clear this wasn’t just a political play. This was about people, about families, about the everyday struggle to keep afloat. And for once, perhaps, their collective voice might just be loud enough to truly be heard.