BJP complains to EC over timing of direct cash transfer scheme

In a complaint filed to the EC, BJP's Gujarat state unit said the announcement is a poll code violation as four of the 51 districts in the country selected by the government for direct cash transfer fall in poll-bound Gujarat and demanded election body's immediate intervention.

Gujarat goes to polls in two phases on December 13 and 17 and the model code of conduct is in force in the state.

BJP's central leaders will also meet Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath tomorrow and formally hand over a copy of their complaint.

Sources said that the poll body is assessing the complaint and no action has yet been taken on it.

The new direct cash scheme, aimed at plugging leakages and ensure efficient delivery of benefits, will initially cover 29 welfare schemes mainly related to scholarships but leave out beneficiaries of subsidised food and fertilisers which involve "complex and difficult" issues.

Finance minister P Chidambaram has already rejected opposition charge that the scheme amounted to offering bribe to people as there could be mid-term polls, saying "It is an absurd argument. I cannot find a stronger word... People should choose their words carefully. People should hurl their accusations with a sense of responsibility."

He claimed the scheme will be a "game-changer from the point of view of ordinary citizens of India" and its benefits will be long-lasting."

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh had also said that it was an election promise of Congress in 2009 which was being fulfilled.