By IANS,
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party Tuesday termed the central government’s announcement to reduce petrol and diesel prices after the assembly elections as a violation of the electoral code of conduct as it attempts to influence the voters.
“This is a violation of the model code of conduct aimed at wooing the voters ahead of the assembly elections,” senior BJP leader and the party’s chief ministerial candidate in Delhi V.K. Malhotra told reporters here.
The Election Commission disallows policy announcements by the government once elections are declared. Six states are going to polls during November and December.
The Congress retorted with its spokesperson M. Veerappa Moily calling the BJP as insensitive and unconcerned with the welfare of the people. “The BJP is not at all concerned about the people’s problems and the way it is reacting shows its insensitivity.”
“We have not committed any offence, we will serve the people and are ready to face anything for it,” he told reporters.
For the past one week, the BJP has been persistently demanding that the central government should reduce prices of petroleum products immediately with the fall in international crude rates.
Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora earlier said the government will cut petrol and diesel prices after Dec 24 when the assembly elections are over.
“The international prices have fallen and there is an expectation that the prices need to be reduced. I am also of the same opinion. This will happen after Dec 24,” Deora said. Petroleum Secretary R.S. Pandey said the cabinet would decide the quantum of price reduction.
Asked whether the BJP will approach the Election Commission on the issue, Malhotra said the party will file a complaint with the commission. “The announcement will certainly benefit the ruling coalition at the centre and we will file a complaint with the Election Commission,” Malhotra said.
However, he maintained that people in Delhi were fed up with the Congress’ “misrule” and stressed that his party will bounce back to power this time after sitting in the opposition for ten years.