Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan Lashes Out Against BJP

BJP Made Petrol Cross the Century Mark in the State

Bengaluru, June 17:
Housing and Minorities Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan expressed his anger, stating that BJP leaders are complaining about the increase in petrol and diesel prices, but it was the BJP government that made petrol prices cross the century mark in the state.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he highlighted that the central government was collecting an excise duty of Rs. 32.98 per liter on petrol and Rs. 31.83 per liter on diesel. He sought to know to know why the BJP leaders are silent about this.

During the UPA government, Zameer said the excise duty on petrol was Rs. 9.48, and on diesel, it was Rs. 3.56. Therefore, at that time, petrol was available at Rs. 68.31, and diesel at Rs. 48.63. However, after the BJP government came to power, petrol prices went up to Rs. 106. During the UPA government, the crude oil price was $97.68 per barrel, and petrol was Rs. 68.31 per liter. Now, even though the crude oil price is $77.64 per barrel, why didn’t petrol and diesel prices decrease during the BJP tenure? When the price of petrol crossed Rs. 100 during Basavaraj Bommai’s government, where were their voices then? BJP increased the cooking gas price from Rs. 419 to Rs. 903. He challenged BJP leaders to come for an open discussion about this, he added.

After the tax increase in the state, petrol is Rs. 102 per liter, and diesel is Rs. 88.41 per liter. Compared to neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, it’s 5 to 7 rupees less. In Kerala, petrol is Rs. 106.66, and diesel is Rs. 95.60. In Andhra Pradesh, petrol is Rs. 109.44, and diesel is Rs. 97.28. In Maharashtra, petrol is Rs. 104.46, and diesel is Rs. 90.45. Compared to this, our state has the lowest prices. The BJP, when in power, burdened the people. Therefore, they have no moral right to fight now. They are protesting for gimmicks and publicity, said the Minister.

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