NCP backs Sena's criticism of Maha govt over additional taxes

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said here today that the BJP has no moral right to be in power anymore, taking a cue from Shiv Sena's criticism of its ally, after the Maharashtra government decided to levy an additional surcharge on various commodities.
"When your own ally (Sena) calls you a pickpocket, do you have the moral right to continue being in power anymore? The Shiv Sena should immediately resign from the government," NCP's Mumbai Unit President Sachin Ahir told reporters here.
He said that if both the allies cannot agree with each other's views about the imposition of additional taxes, the people of Maharashtra would "never agree" with the government's views.

"The government needs to answer how will it convince people of the state when both alliance partners cannot convince each other. The state is already reeling under severe drought conditions and the resultant inflation. At such a time, it is absurd for the government to levy extra charges without thinking enough about it," Ahir said.
He said that the Sena is right in calling its ally, the BJP a "pickpocket" if it takes decisions without thinking through.
"Recent decisions have proved that the government is not pro-farmer and is pro-industrialist instead. The government stopped Local Body Tax (LBT) but failed to waive off farmers' debts," he said.

Incidentally, the Maharashtra government announced a hike on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre, and a five per cent surcharge on VAT on alcohol, cigarette as well as beverages in order to help drought-hit farmers.
Similarly, the surcharge on VAT for gold and diamond jewellery will be levied at 1.20 per cent.
These measures will be in force for five months.