Congress attacks Raje government for withdrawing subsidy; demands rollback

JAIPUR: Assailing the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in Rajasthan for withdrawing the subsidy on domestic LPG cylinders, Congress today demanded rollback of its decision.

"Withdrawal of subsidy by the Raje government without seeking any opinion put a financial burden of Rs 25 on every consumer in the state," Sachin Pilot, PCC President who chaired a Congress District Conveners and party's membership campaign meeting here, said.

He said that the government should also reduce VAT and excise duty on fuel.

"The state government should also reduce VAT and excise duty on fuel (petrol and diesel) in comparison to the falling prices of crude oil in the international market," Pilot said.

Since the diesel prices were also slashed by the central government and oil companies, the state should also roll back bus fare which was increased by 15 per cent after BJP came to power, he said.

In a six-point demand resolution adopted by the PCC, the Congress demanded that the maximum support prices of agriculture produce including cotton should be raised and implemented to avert any suicidal attempt by the farmers in absence of clear policy of the state government.

The party also asked the state government to improve the law and order situation in the state as the BJP government was witnessing high rate of crimes including rape, murder,loot, thefts, he said.

Two days ago, Rajasthan government has withdrawn the subsidy of Rs 25 on domestic cylinders which was extended by former Congress government. However, the state government said that the central subsidy given to consumers will continue.

With the government's decision, the subsidised domestic cylinder will now cost Rs 420 instead of the earlier Rs 395.