The Congress has criticized the Narendra Modi government for reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel but not passing on the benefit to consumers. Congress leaders argue that the reduction is for oil marketing companies and will not reduce fuel prices for consumers.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said the government has raised excise duty 12 times in the last 11 and a half years, and cutting it now is no favour to the people of India.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of slashing excise duty to influence assembly elections in four key states and the UT of Puducherry in April.
DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, also reiterated his party colleagues' stance that the government is acting to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.
