Holds demo, submits memo to Prez
Demanding that the Centre curb the rising prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas, members of the-BJD on Monday staged a demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan here and later submitted a memorandum to the Governor addressed to the President.
Leaders of the party accompanied by members of Biju Yuva Janata Dal, Biju Mahila Janata Dal and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal took out a rally before staging the demonstration. Shouting slogans against the Centre, they demanded immediate reduction in excise duty on fuel.
“We have apprised the Governor about the price hike of fuel and cooking gas cylinder. This is a decisive fight and if price is not brought into control, we would stage dharna in 314 blocks and intensify our agitation,” said party general secretary Sanjay Dasburma.
Odisha is the only State which is collecting less value added tax (VAT) on fuel. “But the way, the Centre has increased excise duty on fuel and increasing burden on people of the country, we oppose it. The Centre has failed to control in rising fuel prices,” added Dasburma.
Commenting on the issue, the BJP said the BJD is only shedding crocodile tears instead of actually doing anything concrete to lessen the burden on people of the State.
“The Centre has already asked the State Government to cooperate and reduce VAT on fuel.
Despite the fact that Odisha is earning Rs 7,000 crore on account of VAT, why the State is not cutting down on the tax? They (BJD) only want to target Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with political motives and do not aim at lessening the suffering of people,” said BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra.