Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Saturday criticised the West Bengal government's decision to impose a 12.5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on air turbine fuel (ATF) at Bagdogra airport, warning it poses a significant threat to the aviation industry's recovery.
By the hike in VAT on diesel, the Congress government has directly increased the economic burden on the people of the state by Rs 1500 crore, said BJP's HP unit chief Dr Rajeev Bindal.
The move has enabled private airline operators to run new flights to a dozen cities in the country.
Mayawati said the Central and state governments, while sacrificing their political interest, should pay attention to national problems, which are becoming serious day-by-day, so that life can normalise.
"West Bengal has high VAT on petrol and diesel as compared to other states. A reduction in VAT will save the state revenue from getting eroded as lakhs of vehicles coming from neighbouring states will get their tanks full with cheaper fuel"
The fuel pumps will remain closed for nearly 24 hours in protest from 6 am onward on 22 October and remain closed till 5 am on 23 October.
The Akali Dal said strong anguish is building against the indecisive and ambivalent government.
Fuel has become cheaper by Rs Four in the city. An official spokesperson said Rs 1.50 cut in the VAT will be effective from midnight.
The Opposition parties have been blaming the BJP governments for the sky rocketing prices of petrol and diesel by increasing the Central excise duty 11 times on petrol.
Addressing media persons here on Tuesday, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Media Cell Chairman Naresh Chauhan blaming the Narendra Modi led NDA government for escalating prices demanded that they should provide some respite to the public.
