Nov 21 (PTI) The main Opposition Congress today staged a walkout in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly to protest against the State Government for not reducing VAT on the petroleum products. The Congress raised the issue during Question Hour. Replying to a question from Hemraj Singh Kalponi (Congress), Finance Minister Raghavji said the Government reviews its taxes at the time of budget only. Hence, it will review the VAT currently applicable on petrol, diesel and LPG during the next Budget and not before that.

Objecting to the reply, Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said as compared to other states, Madhya Pradesh had higher value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. To provide relief to the people, the Government should immediately reduce VAT on petro products, he demanded. Kalpana Parulekar (Congress) said the Finance Minister's intentions are not honest on this issue and he is hesitating from providing relief to the people. The ruling BJP has promised in its manifesto to reduce the prices of petroleum products, but after coming to power it has forgotten it, Parulekar maintained. When the Opposition did not get any favourable response from the Government, the Congress members, led by Singh, staged a walkout from the House and also raised slogans against rising prices.