Speculation Over Fuel Price Increase Triggers Controversy in Jharkhand, Government Refutes Proposal

Ranchi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Demonstrations have commenced in response to the alleged initiatives by the Jharkhand government to introduce a cess on petrol and diesel. The opposition party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has cautioned that such a decision would be both "suicidal" and "anti-people".

According to a recent media report, the state government is reportedly preparing a proposal to levy a cess on petroleum products to bolster revenue. Should this be enacted, petrol and diesel prices could see an increase of Rs 2-3 per litre within the state.

Nonetheless, Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore has refuted the claim of any such proposal being in existence.

During a media briefing on Thursday, he stated: "There is no such proposal at this time. Should it become necessary in the future, the government will make informed decisions based on the current circumstances. Furthermore, we oppose the Central government's intention to impose a tax on aviation fuel, as was discussed in the recent GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer."

Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi, however, has asserted that the government is indeed contemplating the cess following directives from Chief Minister Hemant Soren to augment state revenue. He accused officials of placing an undue burden on citizens to replenish the state treasury, labeling the move as "anti-people."

Marandi conveyed his grievances in a statement, claiming that the proposal would trigger inflation in essential commodities. He criticized the Chief Minister on social media, stating: "Your poorly considered decisions, such as increasing electricity tariffs and now contemplating hikes in fuel prices, undermine public trust. These actions will only exacerbate the financial strain on ordinary citizens."

He further called on public representatives to put political differences aside and press the government to retract the proposal. "This hurried effort to raise revenue is generating significant discontent among the populace. It is crucial to rescind such anti-people measures," Marandi concluded.