BJP intensifies attack on PC, Cong says move JPC
Alleging that the “taped conversation” between former communication minister A. Raja and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia establishes the role of then finance minister P. Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum allocations scam, the BJP on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify the government’s stand on the issue. The
Congress, in the mean time, while dismissing the allegation as “unfounded”, has asked the Opposition party to place the facts before the Joint parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 2G scam, if it has any on the matter.
Briefing media at party office BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said, “There are fairly extensive references in the conversation between former minister A. Raja and Niira Radia on whatever is alleged as the role played by P. Chidambaram. The allegations referred there are related to money being taken and also functioning of Mr Chidambaram regarding minerals and gas matters.”
Accusing that the CBI could be taking a soft line on Mr Chidambaram in the case, Ms Sitharaman maintained that this was visible when the investigating agency did not comply with the Supreme Court orders to provide more details on his reported involvement.
The BJP spokesperson also noted that the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the CBI investigations into 2G scam, has asked the income-tax department to produce the transcript related to the conversation between Mr Raja and Ms Radia. Terming the alleged involvement of Mr Chidambram in the making of the policy for 2G spectrum allocation a “very serious issue”, the BJP leader said, “A conspiracy of silence continues on part of the Prime Minister on this issue.”
Meanwhile, rebutting the BJP accusation AICC spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan said, “These are unfounded allegations. If they have any facts, they should submit them to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (which is looking into the 2G spectrum scam).”
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