New Delhi, March 27: The political landscape has become charged following the central government’s decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10. While the government claims this move is aimed at providing relief to the public, opposition parties are labeling it a tactic for political gain.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal expressed skepticism about the actual benefits this reduction would bring to ordinary citizens. He emphasized that the government should focus on sustainable solutions rather than superficial relief.
Fellow Congress MP Rajeev Shukla described the decision as entirely political. He noted that while the government is cutting excise duty, it may compensate for this loss through other means, thereby placing an economic burden on the public. He characterized this as an attempt to exploit the situation for political advantage.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari remarked that this action resembles a strategy where the government first overcharges the public and then presents a minor relief as a significant favor. He asserted that during the Congress-led government, petrol and diesel prices were considerably lower, while the current administration has seen a significant increase in these costs.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also questioned the government’s intentions. He stated that the excise duty cut is being portrayed as a favor to the public, when in reality it is merely a partial reduction of previously imposed “unnecessary” taxes. Khera accused the government of repeatedly increasing excise duties over the past 11 years.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Mittal linked this decision to electoral strategy, suggesting it was made with upcoming state elections in mind. He described it as a timely yet politically motivated decision.
In contrast, Mian Altaf Ahmad Laree of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference viewed the excise duty cut as a relief measure. He argued that without this reduction, petrol and diesel prices could have risen further, adversely affecting consumers.
Additionally, Laree welcomed the central government’s approval of a ₹5,000 crore financial package for Jammu and Kashmir, stating it would expedite stalled development projects and address long-standing issues such as overdue payments to employees.
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S.A.K./V.C.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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