BJP, Manipur support of the Bharat Bandh on 31st May, 2012

29th May' 2012

No: 5/BJP-MP/PR&PM/2010:

In support of the Bharat Bandh on 31st May, 2012 called by NDA all over the country, The State Unit of BJP appeal to all the concerned citizens of the State to support the said bandh from 5 am to 5 pm on 31st May, 2012.

BJP, Manipur Pradesh strongly condemns UPA, led by Congress, efforts to burden common people with latest Petrol price hike @ Rs. 7.52 per litre. The food price inflation is hovering in the region 17% to 20% and people are feeling the real pinch of overall price rise. Instead of providing the relief to the common man, the Govt. is bent upon taking the petroleum prices to the new heights which clearly is anti people policy.

The Govt. argument about increase in international prices is bogus as even with the present global prices, the petrol would be available at Rs. 35 per litre, if there are no taxes. Petrol & Diesel are charged with 100% taxes. Govt. should have redrawn its taxation policies. Instead it choses to raise taxes further in the recent budget.

Despite united opposition to this hike, Govt. persisted with its plan. India is clearly one of the high taxation regimes in the world as far as petroleum products are concerned. If Govt. is eager to reform the administrative price regime, it must first look into the efficiencies of the 3 oil sector PSUs. There are no bench marks for efficiency, there is no oversight.

There is no competition as there is entry ban. It is often reported that oil PSUs over pay, overload to the extent of 80 to100% compared to Pvt. Sector. Regulator has no role in increasing the efficiency and putting the yardsticks in place. It could have thought of ideas like Kerosene coupon. Instead it is pursuing unjustified price rise.

BJP, Manipur Pradesh demands that consumer should not be asked to pay more either for subsidising the inefficiencies of oil PSUs or jacking up profits of the Pvt. oil companies. BJP, Manipur Pradesh also demands withdrawal of latest petrol price hike. Further, BJP, Manipur Pradesh appeals to all concerned for support and co-operation for successful organisation of the Bandh.

Sd/-
L. Bashanta Sharma
Secy. (Media Affairs)
B.J.P. Manipur Pradesh