Remarks on fuel price cut not made knowingly: Deora

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora, who has been served notice by the Election Commission (EC) following his statement that the government would cut fuel prices after the Assembly elections, today said he had not made the announcement "knowingly".

"I am upset over these reports. I would never do something knowingly," Deora told reporters here.

The EC has sought an explanation from Deora on his remarks on fuel price cuts, following complaints by the BJP, which said the minister's statement amounted to violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

"I have been in public life for 45 years.... I have fought nine elections (and) never been issued any notice before," Deora said.

Asked whether he has written a letter to Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Deora said, "These are things I would not like to discuss."

On fuel price cut, he said, "We are trying to do our best."

Deora also said that there was a contradiction between statements of BJP leaders V K Malhotra and Arun Jaitley.

With a drop in prices of crude oil in the international market, "there is an expectation that prices need to be reduced. I am also of the opinion that they should be reduced and that will happen after December 24," Deora said yesterday.