Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday flayed the SAD-BJP Government for over 60 per cent cut in VAT rates on tobacco products in Punjab despite the fact that tobacco is one of the major causes of cancer.
“It is most shameful and senseless decision of State Government led by Parkash Singh Badal who represents a party with so called Panthic credentials. After the involvement of Akali Dal leaders in drug racket, it is another dubious achievement of SAD,” said Bajwa.
He said that decision was taken “under pressure from tobacco companies” due to declining sales of cigarettes in the State. “Government has no concern for the people’s health and they can go to any extent to increase the revenue. Ridiculous justification was given that money earned from sale of cigarettes would be spent on cancer patients,” he added.