Senior Congress leader and former PCC president Nirajan Patnaik on Saturday said the BJD has betrayed the people of Odisha by increasing the tax on petrol and diesel from 18 per cent to 20 per cent.
“The hike in the tax rate on petrol and diesel has led to rise in prices of essential commodities in the State. The BJD used to protest anytime there was hike in petrol and diesel prices. Now, the same party’s Government has hiked the fuel prices. It proves the double standard of the party,” said Patnaik.
He said when the VAT rates on the fuel prices in other States are much lower, their hike in Odisha is an anti-poor move by the BJD Government.
To a question on his present position in the Congress in the State, Patnaik said he is very much in the party and would continue to work for the people of Odisha till his last breath.