‘State govt can’t be blamed for spike in fuel price’: Maharashtra CM responds to PM Modi
India Today
Reacting to PM Modi's request to non-BJP state governments to reduce tax on fuel, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said the state government cannot be held responsible for the spike in prices of petrol and diesel.
After PM Modi appealed to states ruled by non-BJP parties to reduce tax on fuel at a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray hit back and said that the state government cannot be held responsible for the spike in fuel prices.
He said, “Today, in the price of one litre of diesel in Mumbai, Rs 24.38 is for the Centre and Rs 22.37 is for the state. In petrol price, 31.58 paise is central tax and 32.55 paise state tax. Therefore, it is not a fact that petrol and diesel have become more expensive due to the state.”
The Office of the Chief Minister added, “Maharashtra collects the highest GST of 15 per cent in the country. Combining both direct taxes and GST, Maharashtra is the number one state in the country.”
In his concluding remarks at a meeting with chief ministers to review the Covid-19 situation in India, PM Modi focused on the issue of rise in fuel price.
He said prices were higher in many opposition-ruled states and urged them to reduce Value Added Tax in "national interest" to benefit the common man.
“I am not criticising anyone but am praying to you for the welfare of people of your states...I urge you to reduce VAT now even after a delay of six months to benefit people," he said.
