Loot votes, then kick where it hurts: TMC targets Centre over fuel price hike

NEW DELHI: (May 15) Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Friday criticised the BJP-led central government over the hike in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that first they "looted" people's votes and "then they kick you where it hurts".

In a post on X, the Rajya Sabha member also asked whether the BJP-led West Bengal government would now reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel since the party is also in power at the Centre and does not need not worry about funds being blocked.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday. This is the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices.