Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 17: Former MLA U T Khader referring to the rise in prices stated that the petrol stations have become tax-collecting booths for the central government after petrol price touched the Rs 100 mark.

Addressing media here on Thursday, June 17, Khader said, "The rise in fuel price has affected the common man. The achievement of the BJP government in last seven years is petrol price touching the Rs 100 mark. The central government is collecting tax through petrol and filling up the treasure. Fuel stations have turned out to be a tax-collecting booth for the central government. Petrol, diesel is the backbone of the Indian economy, due to the rise in the price of fuel even the prices of essentials have skyrocketed."

"When the UPA government was in power the tax for diesel was 3.46% now it is 31.80 which is an increase of 920%. While for petrol it was 9.20% in 2014, now it is 32.90 paise, an increase of 357%. Gas price has doubled to Rs 820 without any subsidy, while in 2014 it was Rs 410," said Khader.

"The government claims that they do not have control over the international market. Before elections, they seem to take control of the international market and bring down the price. The government has fooled people by lying," he added.

He further stated that some were even defending the rise in petrol price by comparing it to the price of fish. "They have insulted the fisherman community, those who have made such statements need to apologize," said Khader.

When asked about the change of leadership in the state, Khader said, "The development that is taking place in the state because of BJP is nothing but a betrayal of people. The government has no humanity. With regard to Covid, none of these leaders stood in a queue, but for the sake of power, they are conducting meetings and standing in a queue. BJP should keep their political matter aside and think about controlling the pandemic."