New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) The Congress party stated on Friday that the revenue generated by the government ultimately originates from taxpayers. They contended that the recent decrease in excise duty is not a sign of financial sacrifice from the government, but rather a reimbursement of the public's money. Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP raised doubts regarding the motives behind this decision, with some labeling it as politically motivated.

This announcement follows the Centre's reduction of excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each, reducing petrol to Rs 3 per litre and diesel to zero, as a strategy to alleviate the burden of escalating global oil prices.

Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed reporters, referencing Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s remarks and stressing that government revenue is sourced from citizens' taxes. He remarked, “If the government lowers excise duty, even marginally, it is not spending its own funds.” He further indicated that characterizing this move as significant relief is misleading.

Tewari criticized the portrayal of the action as a benevolent gesture, stating, “The public pays taxes to the government. Under unprecedented global circumstances, if excise duty is lessened, what’s the need for grandstanding? The funds aren’t coming from an individual’s wealth.”

He further likened the action to offering scant relief after imposing a considerable burden, pointing out that fuel prices have surged significantly compared to previous years, placing a substantial strain on citizens.

Tewari commented, "It’s akin to someone committing theft and then tossing aside a few coins from the stolen bounty, which is exactly what the Modi government is doing. When the Congress government ended its term, the central excise duty on petrol was Rs 9.48 per litre, and today it stands at Rs 32.98, nearly a fourfold increase. Diesel's central excise duty was Rs 3.56 per litre and is now Rs 31, representing an almost tenfold increase."

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi acknowledged that some relief was necessary given the surging global oil prices, but asserted that the decision seemed to be influenced by upcoming Assembly elections in various states.

“It is crucial to provide some relief as oil prices continue to rise. However, I believe this decision is largely politically motivated. Remember, just last week, following the onset of conflict between Iran and Israel, LPG prices were immediately increased for both commercial and domestic uses. Now, with the BJP potentially facing losses in upcoming elections, they have opted for this decision. I sincerely hope the war ceases and that rates do not surge again post-elections. If they are making such moves, it is the government’s obligation to offer relief to the public,” she stated in an interview with IANS.

RJD MP Misa Bharti also weighed in on the situation, noting, “Prices have been cut, yet these resources remain scarce throughout the country. Long queues for LPG, petrol, and diesel are evident everywhere.”