Regional bias surfaces about compensation to stone pelters
Jammu Tawi, January 17 (KIP): Gradually the distance between the BJP and the PDP continues to widen which is an indication that the two try to keep their vote bank intact. The first issue that gave rise to the differences between the BJP and the PDP, that share power in Jammu and Kashmir, has been Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti's announcement that the Government would pay compensation to stone pelters and exgratia relief to the victims of the violence that had rocked the Kashmir valley during the last seven months.
Well the BJP seems to have no objection to payment of ex-gratia relief to the kins of those killed in clashes with the security forces. But it has opposed the PDP plan to pay compensation to stone-pelters. Jitendra Singh minister in the PMO has said that no compensation would be paid to stone pelters.
The BJP has asked Finance Minister, Haseeb Drabu, to withdraw taxes which have been proposed in the next fiscal year to relieve the poor from the burden of inflation.
Participating in the discussion on the annual budget in Legislative Assembly today, BJP MLAs said the taxes will hit the common man.
They said the decision of government to impose five percent tax on the ready-to- stitch and stitched garments will affect the consumption pattern of women.
It was urged to the government to withdraw the toll tax increase on the transport of ghee from outside the state.
Those political leaders who are Kashmir centric favour compensation to stone-pelters which could help them to strengthen their vote bank. And the Jammu centric party, the BJP, has
opposed the PDP plan to give compensation to stone pelters as the BJP wishes to strengthen its vote bank which has suffered severe erosion during the last one year. The PDP is aware that its vote bank in the valley has suffered erosion in the valley and in order to strengthen its vote bank.
