Why BJP-ruled states are opposing GST, asks Maha CM Chavan

Nagpur, Feb 12 (PTI) The BJP-ruled states are needlesslyopposing the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) and theparty owes an explanation to the nation for this, saidMaharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today.

"The Union Finance Minister had convened a meeting inDelhi recently, and the Maharashtra finance minister had putforth state''s positive views about it (GST)", said Chavan,talking to reporters here.

When European nations could come together for commonmarketing of products and adopt a common currency, why this(adopting single taxation) was not possible in a big countrylike India, where every state currently had different taxationon goods like octroi and VAT, he asked.

"BJP needs to explain this," he added.

Talking about the prestigious Multi Modal InternationalPassenger and Cargo Hub Airport'' project in the city, theChief Minister said it involved four things to which prioritywould be given: rehabilitation of displaced people fromShivangaon area, transfer of land from Ministry of Defence toCivil Aviation Ministry, construction of second runway andchange of leadership in the Maharashtra Airport DevelopmentCompany (MADC).

On setting up of Maintenance Overhaul Repair (MOR)depot of aircraft manufacturing major Boeing, which has yetto start, Chavan said, "Boeing has to come. They have acommitment here".

On slide in onion prices, Chavan said he had alreadywritten and spoken to the Group of Ministers led by UnionFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and a decision on allowingexports of onions was expected in a day or two.

On taking action against serving officers who areinvolved in Adarsh Housing Scam, Chavan said it would happenafter the Judicial Probe. CBI is already investigating thecase, he added.