CPI(M) criticises Deora for targeting WB on fuel price hike

Hyderabad, June 9 (UNI) Alleging that Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora was confusing the people by asking the states to cut down sales tax on fuel, CPI(M) Central Committee today claimed that the sales tax on petrol and diesel was relatively less in the Left Front ruled States when compared to other states.

Talking to newspersons here, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury said while the tax was Rs 25 on petrol and Rs 17 on diesel in West Bengal, it was Rs 32.66 on petrol and Rs 21.33 on diesel in Congress ruled Andhra Pradesh. ''It is not proper on the part of the minister to single out West Bengal'', he added.

The Centre was getting a bonanza whenever the crude oil price went up in the international market, he claimed. He demanded that the centre after keeping the estimated budgetary revenue collection of Rs 48,000 crore, should part with Rs 45,000 crore additional income to the oil companies and thus avoid a hike in the prices of petrolelum products, as the hike would lead to an all round price rise, affecting the people.

Mr Yechury said the States, which in all got Rs 30,000 crore, were already fund-starved and needed the money for developmental projects.

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