The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday sought the “urgent intervention” of the Election Commission to prevent the UPA government from implementing its decision to hike the price of natural gas from April 1.
In a communication to the Election Commission, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said the government decided to increase the price of natural gas from $4.2 mmbtu (one million British thermal unit) to $8.4.
“This policy decision, which the government is set to implement from April 1, is a clear violation of the model code of conduct, since it is directly aimed at providing huge financial benefits to Reliance Industries Limited and falls within the ambit of corrupt practices during elections,” Mr. Kejriwal said.
“It is estimated that the government decision is likely to cost the country Rs. 54,500 crore every year. It must be probed by the EC how much money has been provided by the RIL to the Congress and other parties for spending in the election,” the letter said.
Mr. Kejriwal said the decision would affect the lives of common people since it would push up the costs of fuel, transportation and fertilizer, with a cascading effect on the prices of all essential commodities.
Quoting Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Mr. Kejriwal said he had advised the government on March 11 to seek the EC’s approval before announcing and implementing the new gas price.
An FIR was registered by the Anti Corruption Wing of the Delhi government on February 11 for the alleged collusion between UPA ministers, including Petroleum Minister M. Veerappa Moily, and RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani.
