NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has written to the petroleum ministry directing that the move to raise LPG cylinder cap from six to nine cylinders a year, as reportedly announced by minister Veerappa Moily on Tuesday afternoon, be "stopped forthwith". It has also sought explanation from the minister on the alleged provocation for announcing the sop less than two days before polling for the first phase in Gujarat.
The minister has been asked to send in his reply by 11 am on Wednesday.
"It has come to the notice of the Commission from media reports quoting Moily, Union minister of petroleum and natural gas, that the Central government is increasing the supply of subsidized gas cylinders to each household from the present level of six cylinders to nine cylinders in a year," it was pointed in the letter signed by EC secretary Harbans Singh.
The Commission reminded the government that "the election process to the legislative assemblies of the states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh is currently on and the model code of conduct is in operation."
"The Commission has taken strong exception to your aforesaid announcement when the first phase of polling in the state of Gujarat is only two days away. The Commission has desired that you explain your above action at this juncture," the EC said in its letter to the minister.
Sources in the EC told TOI that the Commission would take action after examining the time when Moily reportedly announced the sop. In case it was done prior to 5 pm on Tuesday, it would invite a rap for violation of the mode code of conduct. However, it was made at 5 pm or later, it would invite action under Section 126 the Representation of People's Act, as it would be a violation of the ban on campaigning for 48 hours before the end of poll.
The first phase of polling in Gujarat is slated for December 13.
EC asks Centre to stop increase in cap on subsidized LPG cylinders
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EC asks Centre to stop increase in cap on subsidized LPG cylinders
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EC asks Centre to stop increase in cap on subsidized LPG cylinders
