Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi will hold acabinet meeting on Saturday i.e. November 6. Following the key meeting, the CM,who has been busy doing everything for the betterment of his party ahead of assemblyelections, is likely to make a big announcement over VAT on petrol and diesel.
The key development is speculated after Centre slashedexcise duty on both diesel and petrol. The petrol prices have been cut down byRs 5 while diesel price went down by Rs 10 by Centre across India on the eve ofDiwali. Following this, several BJP and NDA-ruled states slashed the ValueAdded Tax (VAT) on fuel prices, making them even more affordable.
Today, the Chandigarh administration also announced thatthe value-added tax (VAT) on fuels will be reduced by Rs 7 per litre, makingthem cheaper in the Union Territory.
"After the Centre cut levy on petrol and diesel, theChandigarh Administration has reduced VAT by Rs 7 on petrol and diesel witheffect from midnight of November 4," read an official statement.
Neighbouring Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have alsoslashed VAT on petrol and diesel.
Haryana government reduced VAT on petrol and diesel onThursday, November 4. “On the occasion of Diwali, the central government hasannounced a reduction in prices of petrol and diesel. Taking it forward, theHaryana government has also reduced the rate of VAT on petrol and diesel in thestate. Now, both petrol and diesel in entire Haryana will be cheaper by Rs12per litre," said Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khatter.
Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who had earlier slashedpower rates in state by Rs 3 per unit, is now expected to reduce VAT on petroland diesel to woo the state voters. Today, the price of diesel in Punjab isover Rs 88 to 90, varying city-wise, meanwhile, petrol rate opened at Rs 104rising up to Rs 106.20.
Amid these sky-high fuel prices, the Channi government’sdecision over VAT will play a significant role in upcoming state elections.
Besides, on Diwali eve, the Punjab Chief MinisterCharanjit Singh Channi conferred propreitary rights under 'Basera' scheme on269 slum dwellers of Indra Colony at Chamkaur Sahib. The Chief Minister as asymbolic gesture went to the houses of some of the beneficiaries, lighted thelamps and handed over the 'Sanads' conferring propreitary rights.
Elections are due in just a few months, and opposition isgearing up to give a tough fight to ruling Congress. Meanwhile, the party hasmultiple challenges to overcome, like- infighting, high petrol and dieselprices, fulfilling ex-CMs poll promises and much more.