Oplus_16908288
Kochi, Kerala, India March 28: Congress MP Jebi Mather on Saturday criticised the Centre’s decision to slash excise duty on petrol and diesel, calling it a “temporary arrangement” aimed at influencing voters ahead of Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory.
The Union Finance Ministry on Friday announced a sharp reduction in special excise duty on petroleum products to keep fuel prices stable amid tensions in West Asia. The duty on petrol has been brought down from ₹13 to ₹3 per litre, while the duty on diesel has been reduced from ₹10 to zero.
Speaking to Media, Mather likened the move to “special trains during special occasions,” suggesting the government had implemented an “election special temporary arrangement system” to artificially stabilise prices.
“Everyone understands this is happening only because of the elections. They don’t want an immediate price hike. A control system has been put in place purely for electoral reasons. Once the elections are over, these guarantees won’t remain,” she alleged.
The Congress intensified its attack on the government, with party MP Jairam Ramesh noting that despite several sharp declines in global crude oil prices over the past 12 years, fuel prices in India were not reduced.
“Today’s announcement was because of the assembly elections. Wait till April 30,” Ramesh wrote on X.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also questioned who would truly benefit from the excise cuts, arguing that the relief favoured oil marketing companies rather than consumers.
Countering the criticism, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Congress reaction “just shows how petty they can become,” adding, “You are bringing politics into something which is a relief for the public. This is shameful.”
According to a Finance Ministry notification, taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) have also been revised. A new excise duty of ₹50 per litre has been imposed, though exemptions will limit the effective duty to ₹29.5 per litre to ease the burden on the aviation sector.
Polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. Kerala, Puducherry and Assam will vote on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 23. Counting for all four states and Puducherry will take place on May 4, the Election Commission of India announced.
About the Author
