The BJP Government at the Centre by hiking the fuel prices is looting the poor people of Odisha and the country and benefiting the private oil marketing companies. While the crude prices in the international market have decreased, the NDA Government is repeatedly increasing fuel prices. This is highly unfortunate and anti- people, said BJD leaders at a Press conference here on Sunday.
To protest against this, the BJD would hold dharnas from 7 am to 12 pm right from Bhubaneswar to the block offices and all district headquarters in the State on Monday.
They also termed unfortunate the Central Government’s advice to the State Government to reduce VAT on petroleum products. Rajya Sabha Member Prasana Acharya said in BJP ruled States more VAT is levied than Odisha. While in Maharashtra it is 32.06 per cent, in Uttar Pradesh it is 33 per cent, Uttarakhand 35.95 per cent, Rajasthan 32.71 per cent and in Jharkhand it is 34.64 per cent. While in Odisha 26 per cent is charged on petroleum products.Among others, Sanjay Dasburma, Usha Devi and Snehangini Chhuria were present.