Murli Deora gets EC clean chit

The BJP had petitioned the poll panel for what it called a 8220;violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the minister8221;. The party had argued that the minister had offered to reduce the petroleum prices after the elections in six states. The Left too had expressed surprise over the minister8217;s statement, but did not move the poll panel. Deora argued in his reply that 8220;he had not violated the Model Code of Conduct8221; for he had 8220;indicated a likely review of fuel prices by the Government after the polls to six Assemblies and did not announce a policy decision or financial grant8221;.

The BJP refused to comment, saying that 8220;they had every right to take issues of public importance to the poll panel, but they would not comment on its decisions8221;.