Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 6

The Congress on Saturday said states where it ruled would soon take a decision on reducing value added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel.

This comes after 22 states, mainly NDA-ruled, slashed VAT after excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel by the Centre.

“Discussions on reduction of VAT are underway and Congress-ruled states will decide soon,” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, adding the BJP and allies were in power in 27 states.

“We have three states. The fact is the principal cause of rise in petrol and diesel prices is central excise,” he said.

The principal opposition demanded withdrawal of taxes on petrol and diesel imposed in the past year due to Covid-19, saying the government had raised the price of petrol by Rs 13 and of diesel by Rs 16 a litre through central taxes.

This must be withdrawn since GST collections have been record high, the party said. “The government continues to pat its back on record GST collection of pre-Covid times. It used Covid as an excuse to raise the price of petrol and diesel during the pandemic. Please withdraw the raises immediately now that Covid is over and GST collections have resumed to normal,” Khera said.

Mustn’t stop free ration: Yechury

New Delhi: CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury on Saturday objected to the Centre’ s decision to stop distribution of free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana beyond November 30 in view of the economic recovery from the Covid-triggered crisis. “The Modi government is duty-bound to ensure cash transfers and food kits to the needy,” he said. TNS