We are heading for inspector raj: Hooda

Tribune News Service

Ambala, June 23

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today raised apprehensions about the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax and said: “We are heading towards inspector raj.”

“We are not against the GST, but we are against the way it is being implemented. The original draft of the GST was prepared by the UPA, but the BJP made several changes to it. Traders are now required to file about 37 returns in a year. A large number of traders are not much educated and they have to hire computer operators and accountants. It will not only increase their expenses, but in case of any mistake there are provisions of imprisonment too,” Hooda said while staging a dharna in support of traders and industrialists against the GST.

Hooda submitted a memorandum to the Ambala SDM addressed to the Chief Minister. He said: “Ambala is a famous destination for cloths and scientific instruments. The scientific industry here is already facing a stiff challenge from China and after the GST, it will become harder for the traders to compete with China. Similarly, imposing tax on cloth is unfortunate. The government has been taking anti-people decisions.”

Hooda also said that BJP had failed to ensure the procurement of entire sunflower crop at the minimum support price.

Denies interfering in Samjhauta probe

Ambala: Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda today denied interference in the NIA investigation into the Samjhauta Express blast case. Hooda said, “The Samjahauta Express blast case is investigated by the NIA and the state government or any other person has nothing to do with it. There was no interference by anyone.” Anil Vij had expressed astonishment on the release of two Pakistani nationals accused of involvement in the case. He alleged that they were released without proper investigation, while the others were still lodged in jail.