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I didn’t announce price cut: Deora

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora on Thursday asserted that he did not violate the Model Code of Conduct as he did not make any announcement on reduction of the prices of petroleum products. Responding to the notice issued by the Election Commission on Wednesday on a BJP complaint, he said: “Any contemplation of a possible reduction of prices of petroleum products in a volatile market cannot, by any stretch of imagination, amount to a financial grant or promise thereof.”

He said: “Since petroleum prices in India are not determined by market conditions but are administered, there is a constant public debate about prices in the context of prevailing global trends and the subsidies granted by the government.”

Responding to questions from journalists, he had said a decision could be taken only by considering the totality of circumstances and at an appropriate time. “A demand for reduction in the prices of petrol and diesel in view of the fall in international prices of crude oil are being made by all sections of society which includes members of political parties. I, as a Minister only replied that this was something that will be considered after the Assembly elections are over. I have not said anything which amounts to a violation of the Model Code.”

But, “it is unfortunate that certain individuals belonging to the BJP have chosen to raise such an issue before the Election Commission. My statement was not suo motu.

It is false to allege that any part of the statement alleged was indicative of a deliberate attempt on the part of the Congress Party to influence voters in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.”

Mr. Deora said: “There is no question of any scheduled announcement because price reduction is to be considered by the Cabinet as and when it considers it appropriate and hence the question of an indication of a scheduled announcement does not arise.

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