MARGAO
The United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) slammed the government over rise in petrol, diesel and now LPG prices and demanded reduction in prices by rolling back some taxes imposed by the Central and State governments.
UGDP President Dr Jorson Fernandes warned that people will be give a fitting reply to the hypocrites at an appropriate time, who have increased Central Excise duty 12 times, raising the tax on petrol by 211% and on diesel by 443%. The increase in LPG is simply whopping, with the poor and middle class simply not being able to afford it”, he added.
Dr Jorson said with the latest hike LPG cylinder would now cost around Rs 900. “Petrol and diesel prices have climbed to an all-time high after the second straight hike. And now almost all the households in India have been hit hard as the price of the cooking gas cylinder stands doubled or trebled in the last seven years that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken over the reins of our country.”
As the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG gas, vegetable, fruits, cereals, pulses, refined oil keep on soaring, the BJP interprets it gladly as a sign of development and prosperity. In the last seven years or so, the cost of almost all the essential commodities has been rising at an alarming rate," stressed Dr Jorson.
To drive home the point that it is the taxes that raise the cost, Dr Jorson recalled that late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, in an act of bravado then, had reduced the tax on fuel in Goa since it was imposed by the previous regime in Goa. “People had rejoiced then. The move had given rise to wild celebrations on Goan roads. Re-enact the scenario now on the present rising fuel and gas costs. Sad to say, it looks like as if most have gone to sleep now since the so-called ‘Achche Din' have already arrived. People are tense, helpless now”, he added.
