Difficult to remove toll tax from August 15: Rupani

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today expressed apprehensions about implementing his predecessor Anandiben Patel's order to exempt small vehicles from paying toll tax from this Independence Day, claiming that it is difficult to do it from August 15.
Speaking to local TV channels, Rupani, however, assured that his government is committed to fulfilling all the promises Patel had made before vacating the Chief Minister's post.
"We are committed to implement all the promises made by Patel (before she resigned). However, it will be little difficult for us to remove toll tax from August 15. But, we are definitely working on this," said Rupani when asked if he is ready to fulfil Patel's promise on toll tax.

Just days before she expressed her willingness to retire as Gujarat Chief Minister, Patel on July 30 announced that owners of car and small vehicles will be exempted from paying toll tax in the state starting from August 15.
"Happy to announce that from 15th August, cars and small vehicles will be exempt from paying toll tax in Gujarat" Patel wrote on the microblogging site Twitter before announcing the same at a function in Valsad on July 30.
Notably, Rupani was Transport Minister in Patel's Cabinet.

On the next day, Patel announced to implement the salary hike recommended in the 7th pay commission. After that announcement, Patel requested party leadership to relieve her from the post on August 1.

Commenting on Rupani's "apprehensions" in implementing Patel's decision on toll tax, AAP leader Ashutosh today claimed that BJP government is favouring the contractors, not the common man.
"After becoming the Chief Minister, Rupani is now saying that it is not possible to remove toll tax from Gujarat, a decision taken by his predecessor Anandiben Patel. This shows who Rupani is favouring. It is clear from his statement that he is more concerned about toll contractors than the common men" alleged Ashutosh, who was in Surat.