BJP betraying people of Rajasthan with VAT hike: Ashok Gehlot

JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot criticised BJP-led state government's decision for increasing the Value Added Tax on petrol and diesel prices, saying that the party has betrayed the people of the state.

BJP leaders have always criticised hike in VAT over petrol and diesel during the rule of Congress party and therefore have no rights to do the same, Gehlot said in a statement yesterday.

He said that BJP which gained majority over its anti-inflation election agenda has betrayed the people of the state.

"Prices of petrol and diesel are regulated by the change in price of crude oil in the international markets," Gehlot said.

"The ministers of the party are taking all credits on their name but they must be aware that the citizens were not benefited from this cut in crude oil pricers in the international markets completely," he said.

The former chief minister of the state said BJP had criticised VAT increase in their election manifesto.

The Rajasthan government on Thursday increased four per cent VAT on petrol and diesel leading to an increase of Rs 1.98 in petrol and Rs 1.76 in diesel. As a result, petrol will cost Rs 66.28 per litre, while diesel will be priced at Rs 55.16 a litre in Jaipur.

Petroleum and Diesel Association of Rajasthan has opposed the move of the government.