Addressing a press conference, Paswan claimed that the duties and taxes levied by the Centre and state governments measure upto 44 per cent of the total oil price and its burden is transfered on to the consumers by raising prices.
"Petrol price includes 44 per cent of tax in form of various duties and other charges imposed by the central and state governments. These taxes either should be removed or at least lowered to bring petroleum prices under control," he said.
In a scenario where petroleum products are becoming dearer internationally, it is difficult for any government to avoid the price hike, but taxes are very much within government control, Paswan said.
Replying to a question on Presidential election, Paswan reiterated his support for any candidate selected by the UPA.
"We have already told the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi that we will support its candidate," he said.
On demands from various segments for electing a dalit or tribal for the top post, he said, "Everyone knows that there is no clear consensus within the political parties. There is no majority for any candidate. It can happen only when all the UPA allies come in support of one candidate."
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Opposing the report by Centre's interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir, Paswan demanded a "political dialogue" to handle the issue.
"A sense of doubt has spread all over Kashmir and this report does not offer any hope. Nothing can happen there without political dialogue and a agenda should be prepared for this," he said.