BJP takes exception to drought relief 'package' for Bihar

The BJP today took strong objection to the Centre's reported announcement of a Rs1,400 crore drought relief package for poll-bound Bihar and asked the Election Commission to annul the order till results are out citing violation of the model code of conduct.

"Today, the government of India has reportedly announced a drought relief package of Rs1,400 Crore for Bihar. The last phase of polling in the state will be held tomorrow. The model code of conduct is still in operation and this announcement has been made palpably to woo the voters," BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Polling for the last of the six phase elections in Bihar will be held in the Naxal belt of Bihar tomorrow while the results will be declared on November 24.

Prasad insisted that though the drought had been going on for several months now, the relief package had been announced purposely during the polls.

"This is gross misuse of power and violation of the Code of Conduct. The Election Commission should immediately take cognizance of the matter and annul the order till the election results are out," he said.

During the election campaign, the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine has frequently accused the Centre of meting out step-brotherly treatment to Bihar during the Kosi floods and later while the Congress party has maintained that though it sent enough funds to the state, the money was not utilised for the welfare of the state.