CM rules out sales tax reduction on petrol

Thiruvananthapuram, June 11 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today ruled out any reduction of sales tax on petrol until the Centre rolled back the recent hike.

Talking to newspersons, Mr Achuthanandan said the decision by the Congress-ruled states to reduce the sales tax on petrol was a mere eye-wash to divert the attention.

The Left parties would put up a strong protest against the UPA Government to press for the roll back.

Stating there was no short-cut to reduce the burden of the commonman, he said it was not the question of the state government forgoing some additional revenue. ''But such a step was meant to divert the attention of people who were preparing to launch a massive agitation against the Centre.'' He said the Left parties would organise a strong protest over the issue on June 13.

UNI CR AJ PA KN1726