The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Sunday disputed the LDF government’s claim of having cut taxes on petrol and diesel, after the Centre slashed excise duty on the two fuels, saying it was just a consequence of the Central government’s decision and not a conscious reduction by the state.
Former Kerala chief minister and veteran Congress leader Oommen Chandy contended, in a press release, that it was unfortunate that the state was claiming it has cut tax on petrol and diesel, when in reality the reduction was a proportionate decrease due to the slash in excise duty by the Centre.
However, this contention was denied by state Finance Minister K N Balagopal who, while speaking to reporters here, claimed that the reduction of Rs 2.41 and Rs 1.36 in taxes on petrol and diesel were a conscious decision and not a proportionate decrease.
He said the state has decided that when there is a reduction in price of petrol and diesel, it would reduce the taxes on them.
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