Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded that the in view of recession, the state government should decrease the
Value added tax (VAT) and also demand a relief package for diamond workers.

GPCC president Siddharth Patel and leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil demanded that when state government tables its vote on account, it should decrease the rate of VAT including that levied on petrol and diesel. The duo said that if the government reduced VAT on petrol and diesel, their price can reduce anywhere between Rs 5 and 8.

Patel and Gohil said that the Centre has announced several measures for revival of small scale industry, while Chief Minister Narendra Modi instead of announcing the measures was only involved in making statements.

The two said that in Gujarat when it was difficult for widows to get pension, the Centre was announcing packages for them. The widows are forced to plant trees and undergo several other traumas.

The two alleged that Congress would play a role of an Opposition and would raise the issues of people in the House which is beginning from Tuesday. Congress leaders alleged the CM to have public in his functions was pulling ST buses and were putting the people of Gujarat at hardships.

The two welcomed the vote of account presented by Union Government. They said that VOA was as expected. The Government has also expressed its solidarity to fight against terrorism and have increased the defence budget.