It has been clarified by BJP that if in case the state government is unable to apply a cabinet decision to imbibe entertainment tax on the Indian Premier League(IPL) matches, then the party will consider taking legal action.

The main opposition has strongly opposed the recent announcement by Finance Minister Sunil Tatkare that there will be no entertainment tax on IPL matches. The party is of the viewpoint that the cash-rich league is being favored by the government. The party is sure to knock the doors of court if the matches are not taxed.

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, "Did IPL seek a tax waiver? Why is the state government, reeling under a severe debt burden, favouring IPL."

He continued that the decision to levy entertainment tax on IPL was taken in the state cabinet meeting on January 20; however the minutes of the decision were not made.

He also said in regard to the January 20 cabinet decision to tax IPL, Chavan should also clarify as to why was that decision taken and why has the latest one been taken.

The issue is to be brought forward by the Opposition during the budget session of state legislature that starts from 18th March.

Mr. Bhandari said that if in case there questions are not answered then will approach the court.

Mr. Bhandari tried supporting his reasons by providing the fact that even Delhi and Punjab governments have charged entertainment tax on IPL matches as they feel that IPL-3 is a commercial and entertainment venture and not just a sporting event. He said that Punjab government has even asked IPL to produce the security bill.

Some 14 of the 60 scheduled matches of IPL season 3 which began here yesterday are being hosted by Maharashtra.

The cabinet had determined to levy a 25 per cent entertainment tax on IPL ticket sales in January, via which the state could have earned around Rs 12 crores.