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Tax takes a toll: SAD-BJP rift out in Punjab
CB Singh
Chandigarh
THE RELATIONSHIP between ruling partners Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) appears to be at stake as difference of opinion comes to the fore over the imposition of new tax in Punjab, following which the state cabinet meet, which was slated to be held on Sunday, has been postponed.
Sources said that BJP leaders were not in favour of the imposition of any new tax as it would further burden the common man who is already reeling under the pressure of price rise.
Punjab government had earlier issued notices against the misuse of industrial prices which forced industrialists to knock the doors senior BJP leaders.
The SAD ally was reduced to a strength of 12 MLAs in the recent assembly election against 19 in the 2007 assembly poll. Any tax on the business community will prove to be a political setback for the BJP, especially during the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
Leader of BJP legislators Bhagat Chunni Lal said the party was against the imposition of any tax as it would affect the people and business class besides hampering industrialisation in Punjab.
He, however, denied of any differences between the two allies as far as functioning of the coalition government in the state is concerned. He said that a solution will be found in a BJP-convened meeting.
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State cabinet meet postponed as BJP is against imposition of any new tax |
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The BJP was a loser in the recent assembly election as its strength slipped whereas SAD was a gainer with number of seats rising to 56 seats from 48 in 2007 assembly poll.
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