Alliance partner was not consulted before VAT increase: Former CM Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

GUWAHATI: What may come as discomfort to ruling BJP, former chief minister and Asom Gana Parishad ( AGP) leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta fires salvo stating that coalition partner was not consulted before increasing VAT on 127 items.

Recently BJP led government has withdrawn partial exemption granted to oil companies on sale of liquefied petroleum gas for domestic use within Assam. Withdrawal of the subsidy has resulted in increase in prices of LPG cylinders by Rs 14 each. The price of petrol increased by 76 paise and diesel by Rs 1.67 per liter besides VAT on 127 items were increased by one percent.

Mahanta said there is lack co-ordination among the allies Assam, AGP is partner in three party coalitions of BJP and Bodoland peoples Front (BPF).

Increase in the VAT of these commodities has triggered series of protests across the state.

Mahanta said, “Such steps before introduction must be discussed among the allies. The increase in VAT was done keeping us in dark.”

He added, “When AGP ruled Assam or it was a partner in Centre there was a system when important issues were discussed with allies before introduction.”

The former chief minister added there is need to have common minimum programme and co-ordination committee. Chief Minister can be convener of co-ordination committee.

“We will discuss this issue in the party forum,” Mahanta said.