Ranchi- The Jharkhand government is facing backlash over alleged plans to impose a cess on petrol and diesel, sparking protests and criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The speculation stems from a recent media report, which claimed the government was drafting a proposal to increase revenue by levying a cess on petroleum products. This could lead to a price hike of Rs 2-3 per litre for petrol and diesel in the state.

However, Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore has refuted these claims, stating definitively to the media on Thursday, "There is no such proposal at the moment." The government will make future decisions based on the situation. Kishore also voiced the government's opposition to the Central government's proposed tax on aviation fuel, discussed at the recent GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer.

Despite the Finance Minister's denial, BJP President Babulal Marandi insists the government is moving forward with the cess plan under Chief Minister Hemant Soren's direction. Marandi condemned the alleged move as "anti-people" and accused the government of burdening the public to fill state coffers. **Marandi further alleged that the government is planning to impose the cess following Chief Minister Hemant Soren's instructions to increase state revenue.**

In a statement, Marandi warned that the proposed cess would fuel inflation in essential goods. He criticized the Chief Minister on social media, stating, "Your ill-considered decisions, such as raising electricity tariffs and now planning to increase fuel prices, betray the trust of the public. These steps will further strain the finances of common people."

Marandi urged public representatives to unite against the proposed cess, regardless of political affiliations. He emphasized the growing public discontent with the measure, stating, "This rushed attempt to increase revenue is causing widespread dissatisfaction among the people. It’s imperative to withdraw such anti-people measures."