Kolkata/Siliguri: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address his first election rally post announcement of poll schedule in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a 'padayatra' to protest against the steep hike in fuel prices, including LPG cylinders.
While Modi will hold a rally at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, Mamata will lead a padyatra in Siliguri.
Banerjee, following her arrival in Siliguri from Kolkata on Saturday, told reporters that thousands of people, especially women, will assemble at Darjeeling More at 1 pm to join the protest march.
Claiming that LPG cylinders would soon be beyond the reach of common man, the TMC chief said, "We need to organise massive demonstrations to make our voices heard."
"Many of those taking part in the rally will carry empty LPG cylinders to mark the protest," she added.
State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who accompanied Banerjee to north Bengal, said the rally has been organised ahead of International Women's Day, and scores of women would be joining the rally .
Among others, TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty will also take part in the rally.
LPG prices have gone up by Rs 125 per 14.2-kg cylinder since the beginning of February after a Rs 25 per cylinder hike on March 1. LPG prices were hiked first by Rs 25 per cylinder on February 4, followed by a Rs 50 per cylinder increase on February 15 and Rs 25 raise on February 25.
The eight-phase Assembly polls for the 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal will begin on March 27. West Bengal is likely to witness a triangular contest this time with TMC, Congress-Left alliance and the BJP in the fray.
(With inputs from agencies)
