Shiv Sena demands reduction in taxes

Mumbai: At a time when the opposition is having a field day slamming the Union and the Maharashtra government for soaring fuel prices, the Shiv Sena, which happens to be a part of the ruling alliance in the state, has joined the attack, demanding reduction of taxes on fuel to give relief to the common man.

In Amaravati, horse-borne Sena leaders took to the streets to protest rising fuel prices. The idea was to show “horsepower” to the BJP-led state government, of which, the Sena, is a part. The Sena’s novel agitation has embarrassed the state government no end.

The Sena has criticised the government on public interest issues such as demonetisation, farmers’ loan waiver, Nanar and bullet train projects. On the issue of rise in fuel prices however, the Sena has refrained from aggressively criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Still, the Sena took to the streets, that too on horseback, to protest soaring fuel prices. The public relations officer of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “The Sena demands from the Union and the state government that taxes on petrol and diesel be reduced to give succor to common people.”

Meanwhile, BJP sources reiterated that the BJP leadership had taken serious note of the Sena’s taking to the streets in such a manner over fuel prices.