The BJP has registered strong objection over Congress party spreading myth and adopting political double standards regarding hike in prices of petrol and diesel, State BJP president Dharamlal Kaushik said on Monday.
Kaushik in a statement said it is global pressure which is reason for hike in petroleum prices. Shortage of production of petrol and diesel globally and sudden hike in crude oil prices have been the reason for such a hike. In addition to it , the US dollar has further strengthened when compared to other currencies, he said.
State BJP chief said BJP-ruled States when compared to other States have less VAT where Chhattisgarh has 26% while Punjab ruled by Congress has 35% tax. It means petrol is Rs 8 cheaper in Chhattisgarh, he said. During Congress regime in 2013, petrol was sold at Rs 82.07 per litre. Congress is trying to establish falsehood again and again, Kaushik said.
During the Congress government, when crude oil was at 160 US dollars per barrel, then petrol and diesel was not costly but the price of daily items and food materials registered unprecedented hike. But in present condition, even after such hike in petrol and diesel prices, the prices of daily use commodities and food products are under control, he said. Citing examples, he further said that in year 2013, the pulse was selling at Rs 110 per kg, sugar at Rs 42 per kg and onion at Rs 55 per kg but now pulse is selling at Rs 60 per kg, sugar at Rs 35 per kg and onion at Rs 18 per kg.
Appreciating the economic policy of Central government, Kaushik said that inflation rate from 9.6 percent has been reduced to 4.2 percent which is stable.
On GDP growth rate, he said in year 2008, GDP growth rate was 6.7 while in 2013 it was 4.7 but today it has increased to 7.7 per cent. The country is emerging as an economic power in the world, he said. All the achievements have been made by not putting any additional burden on the exchequer. The Congress party is demanding to reduce VAT in BJP ruled states but in states ruled by the Congress it has increased taxes like in Karnataka, he said.
Kaushik urged the Congress leaders to face the truth and not to indulge in spreading rumours. The failure of bandh is a lesson for Congress to indulge in positive politics, he said.