Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi will hold a cabinet 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 assembly elections, is likely to make a big announcement over VAT on petrol and diesel.
The key development is speculated after Centre slashed excise duty on both diesel and petrol. The petrol prices have been cut down by Rs 5 while diesel price went down by Rs 10 by Centre across India on the eve of Diwali. Following this, several BJP and NDA-ruled states slashed the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel prices, making them even more affordable.
Today, the Chandigarh administration also announced that the value-added tax (VAT) on fuels will be reduced by Rs 7 per litre, making them cheaper in the Union Territory.
"After the Centre cut levy on petrol and diesel, the Chandigarh Administration has reduced VAT by Rs 7 on petrol and diesel with effect from midnight of November 4," read an official statement.
Neighbouring Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have also slashed VAT on petrol and diesel.
Haryana government reduced VAT on petrol and diesel on Thursday, November 4. “On the occasion of Diwali, the central government has announced a reduction in prices of petrol and diesel. Taking it forward, the Haryana government has also reduced the rate of VAT on petrol and diesel in the state. Now, both petrol and diesel in entire Haryana will be cheaper by Rs12 per litre," said Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khatter.
Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who had earlier slashed power rates in state by Rs 3 per unit, is now expected to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel to woo the state voters. Today, the price of diesel in Punjab is over Rs 88 to 90, varying city-wise, meanwhile, petrol rate opened at Rs 104 rising up to Rs 106.20.
Amid these sky-high fuel prices, the Channi government’s decision over VAT will play a significant role in upcoming state elections.
Besides, on Diwali eve, the Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi conferred propreitary rights under 'Basera' scheme on 269 slum dwellers of Indra Colony at Chamkaur Sahib. The Chief Minister as a symbolic gesture went to the houses of some of the beneficiaries, lighted the lamps and handed over the 'Sanads' conferring propreitary rights.
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Elections are due in just a few months, and opposition is gearing up to give a tough fight to ruling Congress. Meanwhile, the party has multiple challenges to overcome, like- infighting, high petrol and diesel prices, fulfilling ex-CMs poll promises and much more.