Petrol hike,VAT on CNG: BJP calls Delhi bandh tomorrow

Auto and taxi unions confirmed that they would join the strike. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said it would meet tomorrow to discuss participation in the bandh.

Over 50,000 BJP workers will be out on the streets blocking traffic and staging demonstrations at 100 prominent intersections across the city,the party said.

“We have gathered a lot of support for the bandh. Even Congress allies like TMC,SP and DMK have extended their support,” Leader of Opposition V K Malhotra said.

The BJP walked out of the assembly today to press its demand for a rollback of VAT on CNG. “The government must withdraw the hike. We will not relent until the government reviews its decision,” Malhotra said. The Delhi budget on Monday proposed five per cent VAT on CNG,effectively increasing the the price of the fuel from Rs 35.45 per kg to 37.20 per kg.

Several Congress MLAs too demanded a rollback of the VAT-on-CNG proposal,arguing that the common man would be hit by an increase in auto and taxi fares. These MLAs met Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to say that an increase in the cost of commuting would alienate the party further after last month’s municipal elections defeat.

“Costlier CNG will lead to an increase in auto and bus fares and put additional burden on the common man who is already reeling under high prices of food. We have requested the chief minister to withdraw VAT on CNG,” Vishwas Nagar MLA Naseeb Singh said.

Senior MLAs Mateen Ahmed of Seelampur and Barkha Singh of R K Puram,and the Congress MP from West Delhi Mahabal Mishra too voiced concerns over VAT on CNG and demanded a rollback.