Kerala won't waive off fuel sales tax

Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF government in Kerala on Sunday ruled out waiving sales tax on the increased price of petrol and diesel, as done by Congress ruled states following a directive by the party.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters that the Centre's suggestion in this regard was a "ploy" to not withdraw the price hike.

"The Centre has asked Congress ruled states to give up the sales tax on the increased price with the aim of diverting the attention of the people from the real issue," he said.

The Chief Minister said the government was prepared to take some steps to reduce the burden of the people if the Centre first rolled back the price hike on petroleum products.

On the discussions held at the recent CPI-M central committee at Hyderabad, he said the party decided to launch a nationwide agiation to "expose" the UPA government, which, he said, was deviating from the Commom Minimum Programme (CMP).