Lok Sabha polls 2014: Congress sees red over 'lotus-shaped' toll slips

NEW DELHI: The BJP-led corporations are allegedly distributing orange lotus-shaped toll tax slips to commercial vehicle owners at all checkpoints on the Delhi border. The slips, which are supposed to be white and rectangular, have come in for criticism.

" BJP is simply misusing the corporation's machinery for campaigning. It's obviously no coincidence that the slips are in the shape of a lotus, the party symbol," said Farhad Suri, leader of the house, South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The Congress councillors have written to chief election officer Vijay Dev on the issue as it is a "clear violation" of the model code of conduct. As toll collection in Delhi is South Corporation's responsibility, the concessionaire has been issued a notice and asked for an explanation. "We will ensure that Vijay Dev takes action against BJP for indulging in cheap propaganda. It is a way of asking people to vote for BJP," said Congress councillor Abhishek Dutt.

The corporation officials, however, were clueless and put the blame squarely on the concessionaire. "According to our records, the concessionaire is issuing plain slips. Distribution of the other slips is a violation of the poll code and will be stopped immediately. We will also impose a fine," said a senior South Corporation official looking after the toll department.

The BJP councillors also claim to be unaware of the slips. "We didn't know this was happening. We don't welcome such a move," said Satish Upadhyay, chairman, standing committee, South Corporation.

A senior BJP leader, who withheld his identity, admitted that party leaders came up with the idea. "We did think of this but it wasn't in line with the Election Commission guidelines. It seems some BJP councillors are on overdrive and have encouraged this."

When a picture of the slips was shared with Vijay Dev, he was clear that it was a violation of the code. "We have instructed the officials to take strict action." Municipal corporations have124 toll booths on the Delhi border and they earn about Rs 26 crore a month as taxes.