Shimla, Aug 13 (PTI) Responding to BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s criticism of the new cess imposed on petrol and diesel in the state, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Thursday said the actor-turned-politician should also speak about the damage caused to vehicles by the E-20 fuel.
Ranaut recently slammed the state government over the 60-paise cess it announced to assist orphaned children and widows and said people were being burdened with additional taxes.
Talking to reporters in Shimla, the minister said Ranaut does not have “complete information” regarding the increase in fuel prices.
He said that while the central government is raising the prices of petrol and diesel, the Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a cess of only 60 paise, which will go towards a cause.
He urged the Mandi MP instead to speak up about the damage caused to vehicles by the ethanol-blended petrol and also to follow up on the Rs 1,500 crore package announced by the prime minister for Himachal Pradesh. “She must ensure the state receives its due share,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, speaking about the rains and their impact on road connectivity in the state, the public works minister said efforts to reopen the roads are underway on a war footing. “Machinery has been deployed at ground zero, and the situation is being continuously monitored” he added.
He said the target for road surfacing could not be met due to the rise in bitumen prices. “Surfacing work will resume after the monsoon, and the set targets will be achieved,” he said.
The minister added that the government will not allow farmers and horticulturists to face any hardship. PTI COR PRK
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