Pawan Kalyan opposes GST cut to new sand lorries

Vijayawada: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan said the party would complain to the Centre against the policies of the state government, especially on a proposal to reduce Goods Service Tax (GST) on 6,000 lorries to be given to SC/ST and BC beneficiaries by the state government to transport sand under the new sand system.

In that case, he asked what would be the fate of drivers and owners of existing 6,000 lorries. "Moreover, if the GST is reduced for them, the funds transferred to the state by the Centre will also be cut," he added.

Speaking to media persons along with party senior leader Nadendla Manohar after interacting with the sand transporting lorry owners at party office in Mangalagiri on Friday, Pawan Kalyan said that the state government had already issued GO No 486 proposing removal of GST on 6,000 lorries to be distributed to certain sections, which is not correct.

"The state has already been witnessing negative growth in all sectors, and cut in GST will further reduce resources of the state. The existing lorry owners and workers will lose their livelihood with the new policy of the state government," he warned.

The Jana Sena chief demanded the state government to clarify whether it would construct Amaravati capital city or not. There is uncertainty on the construction of the High Court, he said. "The lawyers of Rayalaseema region raised demand for shifting of High Court to their region. So far, three chief ministers came from Rayalaseema region but they had not done it," he pointed out.

"The minister for municipal administration was making comments without any responsibility. The state government should give clarity on all the issues," he said. He categorically stated he was not making allegations against the government for the elections or any political mileage but he was forced to come onto the streets to raise voice against its anti-people policies.

"We have decided to take the agitation forward more vigorously after observing the sufferings of lakhs of people belonging to affiliated sectors. We proposed to hold a long march in support of building workers in Visakhapatnam on November 3. We have been listening to the sufferings due to the sand policy for the past several months. It is paining to know that lakhs of people have lost their livelihood due to stoppage of sand supply," he said.