BJD protests fuel price hike, BJP & Cong demand VAT reduction

The ruling BJD in Odisha today staged demonstrations in all the districts to protest against fuel price hike on June 15 by the Centre.
The BJP, on the other hand, attacked the state government for imposing high tax on petrol and diesel leading to price rise of essential commodities.
Congress, meanwhile, held both the central and state governments responsible for the rise in the price of commodities including fuel.
Members of BJD youth wing today demonstrated at the Collector's office in all 30 districts along with state capital and demanded roll-back of the increased fuel price.
The Centre on Wednesday increased price of petrol and diesel by 5 paise and Rs 1.26 a litre respectively.

In a statement, Odisha BJP general secretary P Harichandan claimed that BJD's protest was an eye wash to divert public attention from the chitfund scam where ruling party leaders have been exposed.

Stating that the state government collects Rs 13.58 per litre of petrol and Rs 12.57 from per litre of diesel as tax , Harichandan demanded reduction in the tax in order to ease the people from price rise.
"The Odisha government should take cue from the BJP ruled Goa where tax on fuel is minimal," Harichandan said.
Meanwhile, OPCC president Prasad Harichandan asked the state government to reduce the rate of VAT on fuel and Centre to bring down the rate of cess, excise tax on petrol and diesel.