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Centre only interested in filling its coffers, says ex-minister Salman Khurshid
Hitting out at the Centre over “rising inflation, especially petrol and diesel prices, former union minister Salman Khurshid said on Saturday that the Narendra Modi government has failed in handling the economy and hence should make way for the Congress in the government
Hitting out at the Centre over “rising inflation, especially petrol and diesel prices, former union minister Salman Khurshid said on Saturday that the Narendra Modi government has failed in handling the economy and hence should make way for the Congress in the government.
The veteran Congress leader who spoke to reporters at the party’s state headquarters here categorically ruled out suggestions that their government could provide relief on its part by reducing VAT on petroleum products.
“This government has raised its hands on the economy front. They only impose cess to fill their coffers... They blame Pandit Nehru and Congres for everything. I suggest that they should hand over governance to the Congress party. We will show them how we used to run the economy,” said Khurshid.
Comparing the current price of petrol and diesel with those during the UPA regime, Khurshid said while Petrol prices used to be ₹65 per litre when international crude price was 125 US dollars, the petrol prices in Mumbai and Delhi and other cities have crossed ₹100 when the crude is currently at 75 US dollars.
On the BJP’s allegation that the oil prices are high due to the bonds issued by the UPA government, Khurshid said they would corner the government over the issue in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
“Let the BJP say it on record in Parliament, we will answer it. The oil bonds were brought to provide a cushion when the fuel prices go up. And if they think it is so bad, why don’t they discontinue it,” said Khurshid.
While the Congress leader hit out at the Centre for the fuel prices, he was on the backfoot when asked about his government providing relief to people in the state by reducing VAT on petroleum products.
“Do you want us to provide petrol diesel for free? The state government has its expenses to meet. Everything is now under the GST but the Centre does not share the revenue with the state on time,” he said.
Khurshid was flanked by Jharkhand Congress chief and finance minister Rameshwar Oraon, rural development minister Alamgir Alam, agriculture minister Badal Patralekh, former union minister Subodh Kant Sahay, Jharkhand Congress working president Rajesh Thakur among others.
