Chandigarh: Senior congress leader & Punjab’s leader of the opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday has lambasted the Bhagwant Mann government for burdening the Aam Aadmi (the common man) with fuel cess in Punjab.
Bajwa demanded the Punjab government should immediately roll back the fuel hike as it would have adverse impact not only on the state revenue generation but would also burn a hole in the pocket of a common man.
Bajwa said Punjab cabinet’s decision led by Bhagwant Mann to impose 90 paise Value Added Tax (VAT) on Petrol and diesel was not only anti people but would further put additional pressure on the pockets of the common man who were already reeling under extreme price rise.
And so far there has been no relief coming either from the centre or the state government.
“ Instead of giving some relief to the people of Punjab the Bhagwant Mann government is rather making it all the more difficult for them to make their both ends meet. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government which claims to be the biggest sympathizer to the cause of the common man is proving to be its worst enemy”, added Bajwa.
Bajwa also criticized Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for his misleading claim that even after increasing 90 paise VAT on the fuel both diesel and petrol would still be cheaper in Punjab compared to the neighboring states.
“ This is absolutely wrong and misleading. He should read today’s media reports and the comparison they have made of the fuel rates between the neighbouring states. While petrol will cost Rs. 98.10 paise per liter in Mohali in Panchkula it would be Rs. 97.71 paise”, revealed Bajwa while adding that let Cheema explain which is higher.
Bajwa said even the Petrol Pump Dealers Association of Punjab has criticized the decision of the Bhagwant Mann government. “The dealers are of the view that instead of the revenue going up the imposition of VAT would encourage the consumers to go to the neighbouring states for the retail as well as bulk purchase of the fuel hence making a huge dent in the state revenue generation”, added Bajwa.