The BJP on Monday asked Opposition-ruled States to pass on the benefits of petrol and diesel price reduction announced by the Centre last week to public to provide them with a relief and desist from raising a propaganda against the Modi-Government.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP spokesman Meenakshi Lekhi said a set of reasons including the reduction in oil production and fluctuation in the Rupee and dollar parity has led to rise in the domestic prices of oil.
The Centre and the BJP-ruled States have brought down petrol and diesel prices by Rs 5, Opposition parties like the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have not helped the masses by effecting a cut.
She said that States have been benefitting due to rise in oil prices as the taxes they earn are based on a fixed percentage of the cost of petrol and diesel per litre, while the Centre’s share of revenue is fixed for every litre.
Even out of the excise duty of Rs 19 the Central Government earns on a litre of petrol, 42 per cent goes to the States which, she added, earn extra revenue based on the value added tax they levy. It ranges from 26 per cent to 30 per cent for most States.
“Non-BJP States have not been to the mark. They should show sensitivity and help people. They are only doing propaganda but not helping the people’s cause,” she said.
She also rejected the Congress’ criticism of the Narendra Modi Government over hiking the excise duty over the years and helping oil companies “earn over Rs 13 lakh crore” under its tenure.