Fuel tax cuts, extension of free ration: BJP gearing up for 2022 UP elections after mixed bypoll results

With the Uttar Pradesh elections in 2022 weighing heavily on its minds post the crushing defeat in West Bengal, the ruling BJP seems to be taking urgent measures. Besides the Centre’s decision to reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel, the state government has announced additional cuts in fuel prices and extended the free ration scheme in the state till Holi, which falls in March.

The fuel tax reduction, announced by the Centre on Wednesday, followed by the BJP-ruled states’ decision to reduce the tax further, would give the ruling party a high moral ground ahead of Parliament’s winter session as well as the upcoming state elections early next year.