EC notice to Murli Deora for fuel price cut remark

Within 24 hours of his announcement to reduce fuel prices after the current Assembly elections are over, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora was slapped with a showcause notice by the Election Commission (EC) today.

The EC issued the notice to Deora and Petroleum Secretary RS Pandey on the grounds of alleged violation of model code of conduct. On Wednesday, Deora and Pandey said that the oil prices would be decreased after the current polls in six states was over on December 24.

Deora and Pandey have been asked to send their replies by 3 pm on November 27.

On Tuesday, while speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a seminar in the capital, Deora and Pandey informed about the government’s move to slash oil prices as the international crude oil prices have reduced considerably allowing state-owned oil marketing companies to earn profit both on diesel and petrol.

“The international prices have gone down. But any decision as a result of this (crude price fall) will be taken only after the elections,” Deora had told reporters.

The BJP promptly picked up the issue and sent an complaint to the EC on Tuesday that the government is trying to woo the voters, while the elections are on. An EC spokesman said that separate notices were sent to the minister and the secretary on the basis on the complaint filed by the BJP as well as newspaper reports.

Even as the EC issued notice, Pandey said today: “Revision of the fuel prices will be considered in due course. We are going to the Cabinet for an appropriate decision.”

The Opposition has alleged that while the international prices of the crude had been falling for a long time, Deora had deliberately chosen the timing to announce the cut in domestic market during the campaign period.