Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Upping the ante against the Sheila Dikshit-led government for increasing diesel and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices and withdrawing subsidy on domestic cooking gas, the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday decided to hold demonstrations across the national capital.
“Delhi government’s budget is a cruel joke with the people of Delhi on the pretext of the Commonwealth Games. The common man, already suffering due to price rise, has been put under the burden of unnecessary taxes,” said Delhi BJP chief O.P. Kohli.

The protests will be organised across the city from March 25-27.

Delhi’s Finance Minister A.K. Walia Monday presented the annual budget of the national capital for 2010-11 in the legislative assembly. He withdrew subsidy of Rs.40 on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) amid protests from BJP legislators.

The minister proposed an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel, CNG, mobile phones and accessories above Rs.10,000, watches and readymade garments above Rs.5,000, fertilizers, kerosene, coffee, tea, desi ghee, dry fruits, kesar (saffron), glucose-D, household plastic items, utensils and cutlery items and inverters.

The government justified the hike stating it needed money for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

In Delhi, diesel that was available at Rs.35.47 per litre before the budget will now cost Rs.37.84. CNG that cost Rs.21.70 per kg will now be available at Rs.22.79 per kg.

“The Congress government which claims to be the commonman’s well-wisher has increased taxes on items like lantern and kerosene oil that are used by the poor. The hike in CNG and diesel prices will lead to increase in the cost of other commodities,” Kohli said.