Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Ten BJP-ruled states – Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Karnataka, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand – announced additional cuts in petrol and diesel prices hours after the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹ 5 and ₹ 10 on the eve of Diwali, in an attempt to provide relief to people reeling under the impact of spiralling fuel prices.
Goa reduced the prices of both petrol and diesel by ₹ 7 per litre in addition to the Centre’s relief.
“The Modi Govt. has given a great Diwali gift to all Indians, by announcing reduction in Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel. I thank the Hon’ble PM
Narendra Modi,” Chief MInister Dr Pramod Sawant tweeted.
He added, “In addition, Government of Goa shall reduce an additional Rs 7 on petrol and Rs 7 on Diesel, thereby reducing the price of diesel by Rs 17 per litre and petrol by Rs 12 per litre.”
The Opposition has been attacking the ruling BJP over rising prices of fuel. On November 1, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted that one should beware of “pickpockets” along with the hashtag “tax extortion”.
In recent months, crude oil prices have witnessed a global upsurge. Consequently, domestic prices of petrol and diesel skyrocketed in recent weeks. “Today’s decision is expected to further spur the overall economic cycle,” the Centre said in a statement.
Goans say no gift, elections in mind…
Several Goans took to social media to react to the price cut announced by the Centre and State.
Fernando Peter Lazar said, “This is not a Diwali gift for your kind information, don’t try to bluff people. Your party BJP have lost recent by-poll elections in many states in India. People have woken up late to see the loot going on in India by this govt. People of India will show the right place for BJP in 2024 elections and Goa elections in 2022.”
Another user, S. M Goa wrote, “Diwali gift like.. FREE vaccination with big face plastered everywhere… No audit or responsibility on thousands of crores on PM fund yet… We are back in British rule slavery times only difference is that the enemy is within.”
Johnny Araujo said “dats not Diwali Gift dats the effect By-polls where BJP scored 0 and… Happy Diwali to all those who voted 4 change others wait 4 Christmas o Next Diwali to celebrate”.
Saddam Khan says “In the last 6 days, it increased by almost the same amount being reduced for petrol. Making us fools and nothing else.”
Alex Carvalho wrote, “Saheb, this you’ve not done keeping Diwali in mind, but because defeats of recently held election Janta sab janti hai..!!”
Sameer C P Gaonker said, “and sir pls distribute groceries to needy ppl only not to everyone in the urge of getting votes for Ganesh u all supply groceries for Diwali also same poha and jaggery pls.”
Yardley De Bragança says, “Don’t give us Christmas gift by reducing 20 Rs by December, then by increasing 1 rupee every day until December 25 we have good 51 days which will equate to 51 Rs…Hope you get what I am trying to say.”
