Live: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor steps out to protest fuel price hike

Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, and other party workers protest against fuel price rise, outside Kerala Secretariat, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, and other party workers protest against fuel price rise, outside Kerala Secretariat.

The Bharat Bandh call given by the CAIT on Friday against rising fuel prices, the new e-way bill and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evoked a negligible response in Uttar Pradesh. Trucks were seen moving freely even after the 'chakka jam' for the protest began.

The Prime Minister said, "The experience of 'Khelo India Winter Games' will help us move forward with a holistic approach. These winter games in J&K will help establish new sporting ecosystem. The 'Khelo India' centres of excellence will also promote J&K tourism."

"Sports are not just a hobby or 'time pass'. In sports, we learn team spirit, look for new ways in defeats & learn to repeat victories. Sports shape the lives & lifestyle of players. It boosts self-confidence," the Prime Minister said in his inaugural speech at the 2nd Khelo India Winter Games.

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Prime Minister @narendramodi e-inaugurates 2nd #KheloIndia National Winter Games at Gulmarg@kheloindia @IndiaSports

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PM Modi also said "This is time when you'll transition from earning marks in exams to making a mark in society. In time of COVID-19, India hasn't only made a new path but helped others too. Today, India is among the countries with the lowest death rate & high recovery rate."

"Indian health eco-system is being seen with new eyes, new respect & new credibility. However, this also means that world will have greater expectations from you which is responsibility on your young & strong shoulders," the Prime Minister said at the Dr MGR University convocation ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the convocation of Dr. MGR Medical University today.

Addressing the convocation of Dr. MGR Medical University. https://t.co/QO7g9YtKDw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2021

Election commission to announce the schedule for West Bengal, Assam and other states' Assembly polls today at 4:30 pm.

Shops remain shut in West Bengal as the workday begins.

West Bengal: Confederation of All India Traders has called for a nationwide strike today in protest against rise in fuel prices & new e-way bill & GST; latest visuals from Birbhum. pic.twitter.com/FL0hvkSHKJ

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2021

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), who will be part of the protests, appealed to farmers to peacefully participate in thee 'Bharat Bandh'. The Morcha, in a statement, said it supports the 'Bharat Bandh' called by transport and trade unions.

40 lakh trucks to remain off-road today in protest against the fuel price hike.

Confederation of All India Traders has called for a nationwide strike today in protest against rise in fuel prices & new e-way bill & GST. 

The CAIT said in a release that the traders will stage dharnas (protests) at as many as 1,500 places across the nation.

All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) will also support CAIT's Bharat Bandh call and hold a 'Chakka Jam'.

Traders across the country are demanding a review of the provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) regime.

In a statement, the CAIT said that over 8 crore traders belonging to more than 40,000 trade associations across the country will observe the `Bharat Vyapar Bandh`.