Gehlot Criticizes Rajasthan BJP Government Over Rising Fuel Prices and VAT
Gehlot slams Rajasthan BJP govt, demands VAT cut on petrol, diesel
Asianet Newsable
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Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has demanded a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to alleviate inflation burdens on citizens. He criticized the BJP-led state government for profiting from rising fuel prices, which he claims are exacerbating the financial strain on the poor and middle class.
- 01Gehlot accused the Rajasthan BJP government of capitalizing on rising fuel prices, which increase VAT revenue for the state.
- 02He emphasized that the continuous increase in fuel prices is heavily impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens, particularly farmers.
- 03Congress leader Pramod Tiwari criticized the Central government for raising fuel prices three times in less than 10 days, totaling a ₹5 increase per litre.
- 04Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted how other countries provided relief to their citizens during the energy crisis, contrasting it with the Indian government's approach.
- 05The article notes that the recent fuel price hikes are occurring amid a global energy crisis, affecting supply chains and commodity prices.
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Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has sharply criticized the BJP-led state government for its handling of rising fuel prices and the associated Value Added Tax (VAT). He demanded an immediate reduction in VAT and road cess on petrol and diesel, arguing that the government is profiting from the suffering of ordinary citizens amid 'back-breaking inflation.' Gehlot pointed out that the continuous increase in fuel prices not only burdens the common people but also raises agricultural costs for farmers, impacting food production. He highlighted that while in opposition, the BJP criticized high VAT rates, it currently maintains rates higher than neighboring states like Haryana and Gujarat. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, is urged to prioritize the welfare of the public over its revenue gains. Additionally, Congress leaders, including Pramod Tiwari and Mallikarjun Kharge, have condemned the Central government for recent fuel price hikes, which have occurred three times in just ten days, totaling an increase of ₹5 per litre. Kharge also contrasted India's situation with other countries that have provided relief to their citizens during the ongoing global energy crisis.
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The rising fuel prices and high VAT are significantly affecting the cost of living for residents in Rajasthan, particularly impacting low-income households and farmers.
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