'PM violating model code of conduct in Asom' : BJP

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Terming the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's proposed package of Rs 602 crore for rehabilitation of survivors of last year's tribal conflicts in Karbi-Anglong as ''inducement'' to the voters, the BJP today asked the Election Commission (EC) to take serious note of this violation and initiate ''punitive and corrective action.'' A BJP delegation led by Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, former Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad and senior Rajya Sabha member S S Ahluwalia today said the party was constrained to bring the media reports about this serious violation at Dankamokam, before the EC.

This is a flagrant violation of Part vii of model code of conduct concerning specific instructions to the party in power which barred the ministers and other authorities from making announcement regarding any financial grants in any form or promises, the delegation said.

''The PM, the tallest person occupying the constitutional position was not even hinting at a possible relief but had promised specific sum for a specific purpose. Such an announcement is an 'inducement and a bribery' for voters in a particular constitutency. Such a violation by no less person than the PM himself lent a serious dimension to the issue,'' Mr Naqvi told newspersons after the meeting.

Mr Naqvi said rubbing salt on the wounds of the Assamese voters was being done by the Prime Minister's Office which had ''justified'' the package and this action was ''unfortunate.'' UNI MCN KAS PV HT1637