BJP to EC: No sanction for hydel projects

The BJP has asked the Election Commission to reject the Congress Government8217;s request for sanction to privatise 11 hydel power projects, dubbing it as a violation of model code of conduct.

8220;This amounts to blatant misuse of power for the obvious purpose of extending the area of influence of the ruling party through the beneficiaries and of course the amassing of large financial resources both direct flows and possible kick-backs during the run up to elections,8221; party Vice-President Muqtar Abbas Naqvi said in a letter to the EC. He said the Government8217;s plan to privatise hydro power projects was an 8220;open bid for a major corrupt practice8221; and argued that 8220;this move should be nipped in the bud8221;.

8220;The BJP strongly recommends that the EC refuse the grant of 8220;no objection8221; and direct the state to freeze the proposals,8221; Naqvi said.