Patna, Sept. 15: BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad today termed the Centre’s decisions to hike diesel price and allow FDI in multi-brand retail “as a ploy” to divert attention from the issue of corruption in which the UPA government is embroiled.

“The Union government has taken these decisions to divert the attention of people from the corruption charges levelled against it in coal block scam. Both the decisions have been taken under pressure of foreign companies and to appease the foreign media,” Prasad said.

To drive home his point, the leader said oil firms have together made a profit of Rs 13,050 crore and Rs 10,500 crore in 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively.

Bihar Industries Association vice-president Ram Lall Khaitan said the Centre’s decision would affect people dealing in the retail sector.