India, March 27 -- The Congress has come out lashing at the Narendra Modi government after it cut excise duty by Rs.10 each on petrol and diesel on Friday but did not pass on the benefit to the final consumer - meaning the rates at fuel stations stay the same.

BJP leaders, from home minister Amit Shah to defence minister Rajnath Singh, thanked Prime Minister Modi, meanwhile, for "providing relief to citizens" by reducing the levy.

However, Congress leaders have questioned the government's claims, asking whether the excise duty cut will actually reduce fuel prices for consumers.

Congress leader Pawan Khera argued that the excise duty cuts are for oil marketing companies and not a relief for the common people, as they will end up paying ...