Delhi Cong targets BJP, AAP for price rise

New Delhi :  Delhi Congress today hit out at the BJP-ruled Centre and the AAP government for the “historic” rise in prices of petrol and diesel. The party will launch a campaign to collect one million signatures against hike in the fuel prices and hold a mega demonstration at Jantar Mantar on September 20, said Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken.

“The prices of petrol and diesel have touched the highest levels in the history of the country despite a fall in the prices of crude oil in the international market. This is a cruel joke by the BJP and AAP governments,” he said in a press conference. Petrol and diesel, worth Rs 100 each, include Rs 51.78 and Rs 44.40, respectively, as taxes(excise and VAT), he said.

“Both BJP and AAP have been ruthless in levying such high taxes in Delhi,” he said. Arvind Kejriwal government increased the VAT “twice” by making amendment in the law while the BJP led central government raised excise duty “five times”, causing “unprecedented hike” in prices of petrol and diesel, Maken claimed.

“Total excise plus VAT increase on petrol in Delhi as on today is 104.42 per cent while taxes on diesel were pegged at 226.02 per cent,” he said. While petrol prices have increased by Rs 7.32 to reach Rs 70.38 a litre in Delhi, the highest since August 2014, diesel rates have risen by Rs 5.36 to Rs 58.72.