Responding to the appeal by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the states to reduce sales tax on the petroleum products to extend relief to the consumers, Manoranjan Kalia, Cabinet Minister of Punjab and senior BJP leader today justified the stand of Chief Minister on not reducing the tax on Petrol and said Punjab was not in a position to face the burnt of inefficient policies of the union government. "States are having limited sources to generate revenue and if taxes on petroleum products are reduced, it will put an adverse impact on the development projects of the state", Kalia told PTI while alleging the Congress led UPA government for politicizing the issue of sales tax on the petroleum products.

"As Congress party fears from the wrath of Public, who was agitating against extra ordinary increase in the petrol prices, it is trying to politicizing the issue and Delhi Government took a lead in reducing the tax on petrol fearing the defeat in the forthcoming assembly election", he added. During NDA rule also rates of petroleum products were increased at international level, but in spite of facing the Kargil threat, the then union government, through its best management of resources did not allow much increase in the petroleum products and controlled the rate of inflation as well, Kalia added.

It was due to inefficiency of the union government and its callous attitude, the situation has become so grave and rate of Inflation has become so high, Kalia alleged adding although the three renowned economists including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P Chidambram and Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, were running the affairs, but all of them proved as big failure. "Too many cooks spoils the dish, has been proved at national scene", he hastened to add.