Kochi: The World Cup football fever is rising. So is fuel prices in the country. The DYFI Pallippuram north area committee near Cherthala has come out with an innovative protest mixing both. They conducted a model penalty shootout competition. Up for grabs were one-litre petrol for the winner and a half-a-litre refill for the runner-up. At least thirty-five youngsters took part in the roadside contest, and the area committee managed to tickle the funny bones of the public with its novel protest mode.
“Fuel prices are going up every day, and we thought we must protest but uniquely,” said local committee secretary N.R. Rajesh, who kicked off the contest. “As the world cup is around the corner, we drew inspiration from it.” The protest struck the right cord. “Protests that are innovative and harmless and not causing difficulties to the public are welcome,” said a resident. Another creative contest related to the fuel price hike was held in Chengannur. Here, participants were asked to predict the day’s petrol rate.
