By Satinder Bains
CHANDIGARH: The BJP ministers in the SAD-BJP alliance government have lost their say in the government and SAD is taking unilatoral policy decision without consulting the ruling partner. This is evident from the statements being issued by BJP state president and ministers.
Today local bodies minister Anil Joshi has issued a public statement urging the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to extend the time limit for getting the conveyance deed registration on allotment price for at least 2 months more. This is not first instance that BJP leaders have routed their demand through media. Joshi's appeal to CM has came in view of Chief Minsiter's decision to register conveyance deeds at rates at the time of allotement of plots till June 7. The statement by joshi has indicated that he was not consulted by CM before taking decision even though he holds charge of local bodies department.
Only two weeks back the BJP state President Kamal Sharma had issued a public statement demanding to withdraw 5 percent entry tax on sugar from other states, passed by the cabinet. Badal had turned down the demand by BJP president saying that in the coalition government all the decisions are taken in consultation with BJP.
BJP had earlier tried to project itself a sufferer in the government and opposed the property tax imnposed by Punjab Government. BJP had its vote bank in urban areas which is most affected by the decisions like property tax, entry tax on sugar and advance tax from traders.
In June 2014 Chief Minister had announced to collect advance tax on stock thus creating big trouble for the trading community.BJP leaders had opposed the decision while describing it as "anti-industry policy" even as Excise and Taxation Department said this "anti-tax evasion" measure will help eliminate inspector raj. At that time too Anil Joshi had taken the stand and threatened to lead the industry in agitation. Finally advance tax was withdrawn.
Joshi today wrote a letter to the Chief Minister has hailed the decision to link the rate of conveyance deed to present market rate of property and this decision of Punjab government to register deeds on allotment rate have facilitated a large number of allottees.
He said that the state was earning handsome revenue due to this decision as well as the general public feels satisfied with the pro-active approach of the Punjab Government towards this genuine long pending demand.
Earlier Industry minister a BJP leader also expressed his unhappiness over appointment of Sewa Singh Sekhwan as Chairman of Technical Education Board falling under Mittal.
After winning Dhuri by-election the SAD has obtained absolute majority in the 117 member Punjab Vidhan Sabha. SAD is no more dependent on BJP to probe its majority. During last three years even when BJP was in commanding position failed to domiante and succumbed to pressures by SAD. BJP has been fst losing its cadre in the state.