Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Arvind Sawant on Friday slammed the central government 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 MP Arvind Sawant.