"Poll Strategy": Sena MP On Fuel Price Cut By Centre, BJP-Ruled States

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant's remark came after the Centre on Wednesday announced a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel, followed by many BJP-ruled states too announcing a reduction in VAT on fuel.

Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Arvind Sawant on Friday slammed the Centre and various Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state governments over reducing taxes on petrol and diesel prices, terming it as an election strategy and pointed out that people of the country were aware of such "jumlas".

"When petrol prices were Rs 117 per barrel, it was available for Rs 74 in India. Now per barrel price is Rs 84 but we are getting it at Rs 110 per litre. Petrol is so cheap (in the international market), retail prices should also be set accordingly. On the issue of states reducing taxes, you should first reduce the excise duty, automatically the prices will decrease in the state too. What your states have done is part of their election strategy. The people of India are now aware of your jumlas," said Mr Sawant.

He further raised the issue of transfer of funds under Goods and Service Tax (GST) by the central government to state governments.

"If you will give the state government's GST money, then the Maharashtra government will be able to take some more steps, it is our rightful money. Legally, Rs 35,000 to 40,000 crore of GST money has to come from the central government, first give us that money and then point fingers at us," added Mr Sawant.