In protest of the hike in petroleum prices, The CPI (M) has called for a 12-hour bandh in Left ruled states of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura on Thursday.

Although there is nation wide protest against the decision as people are not happy with the significant hike of Rs 5 in petrol prices and Rs 3 in Deisel along with Rs 50 in LPG. The CPI on its part has announced a total shutdown in Kolkata.

West Bengal is highly affected by the bandh especially Kolkata. In Kolkata shops, markets and educational institutions remained closed. City streets were silent amid bandh. Train and air services were also affected. Bandh supporters squatted on railway tracks in different parts of the state, Kanojia said.

Various airlines suspended their operations of outgoing flights from Kolkata during the 12-hour bandh period. Kingfisher Airlines have announced the cancellation of eight flights. They rescheduled eight flights.

However trains and vehicles are running in Kerala as usual in spite of the bandh.

Left parties called the hike “suicidal”. The bandh will be preceded by a state-wide protest and rallies this evening. Mr Bose said that he had discussed with the leaders of the Left Front constituents before arriving at a decision in this regard. Terming the price hike “anti-people”, he said it would further increase prices of essential commodities and push the inflation to 10 per cent as it would have a cascading effect raising the transportation cost.

There will be similar strikes in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu later this week.

The hike in petroleum prices were decided in wake of increasing price of fuel in international market touching the heights of $130 per barrel. Prime Minister appealed to the nation yesterday after the announcement to take the decision calmly as the hike is inevitable.

Fuel price hike gave a jolt to common man who is already fighting with increasing inflation. Whatever be the political and economical reasons behind the hike but common mans problems are definitely increased and their life get tougher.