BJP protests, EC may quiz Deora

The EC is considering issuing a showcause notice to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora for announcing that fuel prices would be slashed after assembly elections in six states.

The Election Commission (EC) is considering issuing a showcause notice to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora for announcing that fuel prices would be slashed after assembly elections in six states. “The issue on the basis of news report is being examined,” a EC official said.

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The BJP wants petroleum prices to be slashed but termed the announcement to reduce petrol and diesel prices an attempt to woo voters. It said it would take up this “violation of the model code of conduct” with the EC. “This is a code violation aimed at wooing voters ahead of assembly elections in states,” BJP leader and the party’s chief ministerial candidate in Delhi V.K. Malhotra said.

A day earlier, Arun Jaitley had demanded reduction in kerosene, petrol and diesel prices, saying “it would have a cascading effect on general price levels as it would lower inflation and help the economy and people”. Pointing out that high fuel prices was one of the reasons why prices weren’t coming down, he said: “Crude is down from $147 per barrel to $47. Any responsible government would pass on this benefit to the people. But the UPA has failed to do so.”