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BJP MPs initiate signature campaign on pump controversy

Bharatiya Janata Party MPs initiated a signature campaign to urge Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to order an enquiry into all allotments of petrol pumps and gas agencies made since 1983. They will also demand that the government calcell every dealership alloted to a relative of a political personality.

A draft letter to Vajpayee, which was circulated among MPs of ruling coalition for signature, said, "We urge upon you to order an inquiry in all allotments made under Dealership Selection Board system from 1983 and cancel every dealership allotted to a relative of sitting or ex- MP/MLA or party functionary."

Already over 50 MPs are understood to have signed, sources said adding that it would be soon handed over to Vajpayee.

The move is in response to Opposition's allegation that the government has been partial to BJP and other functionaries while making allotment to over 3000 petrol pumps and gas agencies since January 2000, which the prime minister has directed to be cancelled.

Meanwhile, petroleum ministry sources said a large number of dealerships were allotted to relatives of various Congress functionaries during 1990-95.

Lauding the prime minister's decision to cancel all the petrol pumps, LPG agencies and kerosene dealerships allotted since January 2000, the MPs wrote "even though all procedures had been followed, there are allegations that several party functionaries and leaders have obtained dealerships by exercising influence on the Dealer Selection Boards though there is nothing to indicate any such influence."

They pointed out that all cancellation of over 3000 allotments would lead to severe financial hardships and loss of business for many innocent persons who had been selected by the DSB.

Alleging that ministers handpicked party leaders during the Congress regime, the letter said, "one can only imagine what type of fairness will be there in selections made by such a DSB where there was no representative from the oil companies."

"We strongly urge you to conduct a thorough inquiry in all the selections made since the system of DSB started in 1983 and cancel the dealerships of all those who are related in anyway to a sitting ex MP/MLA or party functionary," the letter added.

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