The NCP rooting for the non-violent tactics

The Nationalist Congress Party has been moved by MNS’s agitation against the toll levy proved that protests through non-violent means and dialogue can make a difference. In addition, NCP also mentioned that it would be reviewing the system of toll on the BOT projects, whose value runs upto Rs 10 crore. If things go according to the plan, it would lead to the stoppage of toll levy, at atleast 25 toll booths, is what the NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said. "Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told MNS president Raj Thackeray at a meeting, which was attended by PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal and public undertakings minister Jaidutt Kshirsagar, that toll levy at BOT (built-operate-transfer) projects which are worth less than Rs 10 crore will reviewed," Malik said. Whatever be the outcome, NCP Leader Praful Patel will have a major role to play, in this regards.

Currently, the NCP is demanding a stoppage in the toll collection at bridges, highways and two-lane highways. However, Nawab Malik also mentioned that the whole procedure would not make any difference to Thackrey’s poll prospects, in any way. MNS was agitated at this decision. The agitation was then managed by congress and NCP together. Nawab Malik said, “Shiv Sena is making this allegation, but in fact the Chief Minister has a closer rapport with Sena chief and his PA, who is often found in the Chief Minister's office." Malik further added that a common person, farmers and laborers are not charged toll tax. In fact, only the private and the commercial vehicles ought to pay the levied tax. Contradicting BJP’s statement, Malik said that it was indeed difficult to scrap tolls, for the larger projects. In addition, Malik mentioned that the BJP must try and make Gujarat a toll free state post which Maharashtra would be more than happy, to follow the suit.

Talking of taxes and duties, Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel also wanted to exempt motor vehicles costing below 10 lacs, from paying tax. On further interrogation, Patel said that the system would not only entice more buyers to the market, but will also allow the Automobile Sector to get rid of the downturn, that it has been witnessing, in recent times. However, the recently concluded Auto Expo, New Delhi 2014 did a favor to the Automobile industry, by providing it with the much-needed leverage.

With the elections around the corner, most of us would be expecting winds of change that will revolutionize the existing ideas and principles, for the overall upliftment of the nation.