Chandigarh, May 26
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring reached a polling booth in Muktsar on a bullock cart along with his wife Amrita during the local body elections in Punjab on Tuesday. Warring said the symbolic protest was aimed at drawing attention to rising fuel prices and the growing burden of inflation on common people.
Voting was held across 103 municipal bodies in Punjab, including eight municipal corporations. Polling took place in 1,896 wards, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 29.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Warring said petrol and diesel prices had become unaffordable for ordinary citizens. He said the increase in fuel prices was adding to inflation and making daily life difficult for people.
According to Warring, the bullock cart ride was meant to send a message to the Center over the repeated hike in petrol and diesel prices. He said common people were struggling as transportation and household expenses continued to rise.
Fuel prices were increased again on Monday, marking another hike within two weeks. The repeated revisions have sparked concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.
The local body elections are being seen as politically significant in Punjab, with polling held for municipal corporations, municipal councils, and Nagar Panchayats across the state.
