New Delhi, May 22 -- Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan on Friday demanded that the Centre and state governments immediately reduce state taxes like VAT on petrol and diesel to shield the common man from the economic fallout of the West Asia conflict.

In a video message addressing the nation on the impact of the Iran War, Haasan stressed that the financial burden of a global crisis cannot be shouldered by ordinary citizens alone.

"Sacrifice cannot be expected only from citizens. Governments, too, must share the burden. Therefore, I request the PM to convene a national summit of all Chief Ministers," Haasan said, proposing an immediate two-pronged strategy to protect the public.

"State taxes like VAT on petrol and diesel s...