Chandigarh Headlines

40 per cent hike in diesel prices
With the elections now safely out of the way, the government today effected a whopping 40 per cent hike in prices of diesel to curb the runaway oil pool deficit. This would have crossed Rs 10,000 crore for the year if no decision had been taken to hike prices. Today8217;s hike will bring the government an additional Rs 6,600 crore, but will still leave the oil pool deficit at around Rs 3,400 crore for the full year. Though the ex-storage price of diesel has been increased by 40 per cent, from Rs 6,882.15 per kilolitre to Rs 9,634.60, the retail price hike differs from city to city.

Cong optimistic, BJP subdued
Political parties will meet their fate tomorrow when the ballot boxes are opened. But today, on the eve of counting, there was no let-up in the intense rivalry that made these the most bitterly fought polls so far. Activity was particularly hectic in the Congress camp. Brushing aside the predictions of opinion and exit polls, a meeting of senior leaders this evening decided that the party would stake its claim to form the next government if it gets more seats than the BJP.