Opposition parties blame Centre for not doing enough to control oil prices
All Opposition parties have been running a campaign in states where they are in power, blaming the Centre for not doing enough to control oil prices. Some have now criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this issue up during a meeting on Covid-19 for which the chief ministers were invited.
Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted: “Making a Covid meeting about politics! The central government has earned 26 lakh Cr (Rs 26 trillion) out of central excise on fuel, increased 18 times even when oil prices hit rock bottom. The GST share to states still owed, compensation component to state done away with & now pointing fingers.”
Congress’s Pawan Khera said charity begins at home. “He (Modi) earned Rs 26 trillion out of central excise on petrol and diesel. Has he shared it? You didn’t give GST share to states on time and then you ask states to further reduce VAT. He should reduce central excise and then ask others to reduce VAT.”
Former MP from Haryana, Congress leader Deepender Hooda said that Haryana (where the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power) has the highest VAT on petrol and diesel. “Fuel-prices are increased if price rises in international markets but when wheat prices increase internationally, farmers don’t get increased MSP on it,” he said.
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
