L K Advani, leader of the Opposition and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee courted arrest in Delhi on Monday, while protesting against the price rise in petrol, diesel and other commodities. They were joined by nearly a hundred other Parliamentarians.

Hundreds of party workers also protested against the United Progressive Alliance government's policies.

While addressing the crowds, Vajpayee said 'this rally is just the beginning' and that the National Democratic Alliance is not going to 'abandon' its fight mid-way.

"We are going to take it up till we bring the prices under control. The centre must roll back the petrol hike and not force state governments to reduce prices by reducing sales tax," he said.

In his speech, Advani said, "The price of petrol, which was Rs 30.25 when National Democratic Alliance government handed over power to UPA government two years ago now stands at Rs. 47.49." He said this amounts to 'backstabbing' the common man. Advani also slammed the UPA over its 'soft' terrorism policies and on farmers' suicides.

Others who adressed the rally at Parliament Street included BJP President Rajnath Singh, Janata Dal-United  President Sharad Yadav and BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Jaswant Singh.

Text: Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images