Tuesday, June 28 2005 13:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The nationwide strike today (Jun 28, 2005) called by the Left parties against the hike in petrol and diesel prices evoked a mixed response with it getting unruly in some parts of the country.

Initial reports suggested that the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), Communist Party of India (CPI), Republican Socialist Party (RSP), Forward Bloc sponsored 'Action Day' was most visible in Communist-ruled States like West Bengal and Kerala while it evoked a partial response in Bihar and Delhi.

Other States saw lukewarm response to the protest against hikes of Rs 2.50 per litre for petrol and Rs 2 a litre for diesel.

In the national capital, commercial vehicles as well as TSRs and taxis were seen on the roads even as the bustling ITO saw hundreds of Left activists pushing down barricades and lying down in front of vehicles to stop traffic.

Police had to use water cannons against the activists and CPI leader Amarjit Kaur was also caught in the gush of water.

Some cities and towns in southern India also felt the impact of the strike against the "United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government's economic policies".

CPM Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat asked what was the need for raising the prices when there were alternatives to avert a price hike.

Contending that the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices had nothing to do with global oil rates since it was more due to internal taxation, she said the hike has "affected the common people".