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The rising prices of petroleum products and its impact on the public will be a key feature in the Congress’s campaign during the upcoming elections in five State Assemblies. The party believes that if it offers a solution — prices of all petroleum products should be brought under GST — it can attract the sentiments of voters.
The Congress is using petrol, diesel and LPG prices to whip up anti-BJP emotions in BJP-ruled States such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. “Petrol and diesel prices are probably the highest in Madhya Pradesh. This is also because that the State government is reluctant to reduce the VAT rate on those products,” said senior Congress leader from the State, Suresh Pachauri.
“The Congress has promised in its campaigns that it will reduce the VAT rate if it comes back to power,” he added.
‘Positive response’
“This is a major issue among the common people. They have seen how the prices have increased in the last four years. Our campaign is getting a very positive response from the public,” Pachauri said.
In Rajasthan
In Rajasthan too, the Congress is focusing on oil prices and its impact on the prices of essential products.
“It’s Congress president Rahul Gandhi who has offered a solution to control the spiralling oil prices — that they should be brought under the ambit of GST. He has also been telling people in rallies how bringing petroleum products under GST will reduce the cost of such products,” said senior leader from Rajasthan and former Union Minister CP Joshi.
Joshi, who is spearheading the party’s campaign in the State, said by offering a solution to the problem, the Congress has gathered confidence among the people.
“We are not just presenting the problem before the people, but also offering a solution. No one is spared from this issue. It is a common man’s problem,” Joshi said.
The Congress has maintained that with imports expected to become more costly due to the exchange rate, in the near future one can expect a higher oil import bill which will translate into higher prices of petrol and diesel. “This will have a negative bearing on the prices of all the essential products, including food products, prices of fruits and vegetables and other items,” party’s media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said recently.
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