PM violated model code of conduct: BJP

Gorakhpur, May 2 (UNI) BJP today alleged that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had violated the model code of conduct by announcing the revival of defunct sugar mills in Gorakhpur.

Talking to reporters here, former union minister and senior BJP leader Ram Naik and the party had already petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to take appropriate action in this regard.

He said the central government owned three sugarmills in the Gorakhpur division -- one each at Farenda (Maharajganj district), Gauri Bazaar (Deoria) and Padrauna (Kushinagar).

Mr Naik, who is also the president of BJP discipline committee, claimed farmers' dues were also pending on these closed mills.

''In such circumstances, announcing revival of these units is a clear violation of model code of conduct in force and EC should take strict action to this end,'' he demanded.

The former petroleum minister asserted there was a strong wave in favour of BJP this time in Gorakhpur.

''The, BSP and ruling Samajwadi Party have only attracted peoples' anger due to their corrupt ways and casteist politics,'' he noted.

Mr Naik highlighted that Congress was a spent force and was nowhere in the Uttar Pradesh election race. ''The thin attendance at the PM's rally is a pointer to this fact.'' UNI