BJP to stage demo against VAT hike on petrol, diesel in Odisha tomorrow

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 25:

The BJP will stage demonstrations at all district headquarters in Odisha tomorrow in protest against the state government’s imposition of an additional 3% valued added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel prices in the state, informed BJP state president KV Singhdeo here today.

The state government yesterday imposed an additional three percent (VAT) on petrol and diesel with immediate effect.The revision of VAT jacked up petrol and diesel prices in the state by Rs 1.49 and Rs 1.33 per litre respectively.

The rate of VAT, which was 20% earlier on petrol and diesel was hiked to 23% after a cabinet decision yesterday.

The BJP’s state unit had criticized the Odisha government’s decision to increase VAT on petrol and diesel prices by three per cent yesterday following its announcement by the government.

BJP spokesperson Sajjan Kumar slammed the state government and accused it of being anti-people and of adopting an agenda similar to the one pursued by the erstwhile UPA government t the Centre.

While people have heaved a sigh of relief and appreciated the steps taken by Modi government, the state government’s move on the pretext of revenue loss will be taxing for the common people, Sharma alleged.

In the last six months since July 1, the petrol prices have been reduced by Rs 13 and diesel prices by Rs 9.17, he pointed out.

“On the one hand, the state government is claiming surplus revenue and on the other it is increasing petrol and diesel prices to compensate revenue loss. How justified is the move?” Sharma asked. (IANS)