India-Sri Lanka match in Karyavattom: Entertainment tax should be reduced; minister insulting sports lovers, says K Surendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president K Surendran requested the government to withdraw the sharp increase in entertainment tax for the India-Sri Lanka ODI cricket in Kariyavattam. The statement of Sports Minister Abdurahiman that only those with money should watch the game is an insult to sports fans. He said the minister should remember that this is not an IPL auction but a cricket match where only those with money can participate.

The sudden hike in entertainment tax from five to 12 per cent is beyond the reach of cricket fans in the state. Sports fans have to pay 30 percent tax including GST to watch the game. The government’s manner is to loot the people. Surendran also asked what justification the government could give for such a huge rate hike when mostly students and youths come to watch the game. A government that gives concessions to monopolies is putting a tax burden on the poor. Surendran also demanded the minister to withdraw his rude remark and apologize to the people. He also asked the government to reduce taxes.