Himachal Pradesh government denying people benefits of steps taken by Centre: BJP

SHIMLA: BJP today accused the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of denying the benefits of measures taken by the Centre to bring in 'achhe din', by hiking prices of essential commodities under the public distribution system and increasing VAT on diesel and petrol.

"Inflation is at the lowest in two years and prices of diesel and petrol have come down but the people of Himachal Pradesh are not getting the relief as the government has increased VAT on diesel and petrol and hiked the prices of essential commodities under PDS," former chief minister and leader of the opposition in the assembly P K Dhumal said.

In a statement, Dhumal alleged the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state was denying the people the benefits of measures taken by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre to usher in 'achhe din'.

Criticising the remarks of Transport Minister G S Bali that bus fares would not be reduced, the BJP leader said it was "unfortunate" that the state government was denying relief to the poor people.

Dhumal claimed that during the BJP regime, refined oil was available at Rs 40-45 per litre and even the cost of mustard oil was ten times less than its present price.

Rejecting the logic given by Bali, who also holds the Food and Supplies portfolio, that the prices of essential commodities under PDS are being increased due to inflation, Dhumal said the prices of essential commodities are at the lowest in two years but the state government is planning to sell refined oil at Rs 55 per litre and increase the prices of pulses by Rs 1 to Rs 7 per kg.