Lambasting the Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government for burdening the aam aadmi (the common man) with fuel cess in Punjab, senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday demanded immediate roll back. “It would have adverse impact not only on the state revenue generation but would also burn a hole in the pocket of a common man,” he said.

Bajwa said that Punjab Cabinet’s decision to impose 90 paise value added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel was not only anti-people but would further put additional pressure on the pockets of the common man who were already reeling under extreme price rise. And so far, there has been no relief coming either from the Centre or the state government, he said.

“Instead of giving some relief to the people of Punjab, the Mann government is rather making it all the more difficult for them to make their both ends meet. AAP government which claims to be the biggest sympathizer to the cause of the common man is proving to be its worst enemy,” he added.

Bajwa also criticized Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for his misleading claim that even after increasing 90 paise VAT on fuel, both diesel and petrol would still be cheaper in Punjab compared to the neighboring states. “This is absolutely wrong and misleading. He should read today’s media reports and the comparison they have made of fuel rates between the neighbouring states. While petrol will cost Rs 98.10 paise per liter in Mohali, it would be Rs 97.71 paise in Panchkula,” revealed Bajwa while adding that let Cheema explain which is higher.

“Even the Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association of Punjab has criticized the decision…The dealers are of the view that instead of revenue going up, imposition of VAT would encourage consumers to go to the neighbouring states for retail as well as bulk purchase of the fuel, hence making a huge dent in the state revenue generation,” added Bajwa.