Jakhar alleges cash for vote scam by BJP

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 7

Punjab Congress President and Gurdaspur MP Sunil Jakhar today attacked the Government in Lok Sabha for seeking personal details of petrol pump staff from all dealers and stalling supplies in the event of refusals.

Citing a recent expose by The Tribune on how oil companies had written to petrol dealers seeking details of their staff, Jakhar said, “This is a fine example of a cash for vote scam because the oil companies are promising a certificate from the Centre plus Rs 500 per person whose details are received. The payment of money will be timed with Lok Sabha elections. This is cash for votes.”

Jakhar was speaking during the Zero Hour and demanded urgent response of the Petroleum Minister on the matter.

He quoted The Tribune to say the dealers who had refused to comply with oil companies’ diktat were being punished with stalled supplies.

The dealers, Jakhar told the LS, were being asked to send caste, religion and constituency details of staffers.

Why is this necessary, the Congress leader asked.