A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Opposition–ruled States to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, the Congress on Thursday targeted Mr. Modi for his comments, with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi alleging that his government follows “coercive federalism”.
Taking to Twitter, Mr. Gandhi said, “High fuel prices — blame States. Coal shortage — blame States. Oxygen shortage — blame States. 68% of all fuel taxes are taken by the Centre. Yet, the PM abdicates responsibility. Modi’s federalism is not cooperative. It’s coercive.”
In a Facebook post, he said, “It is coercive federalism which is shamelessly selective in nature against Opposition–ruled States. India needs a PM who treats States as equal partners. Not as adversaries.”
