Sahai finds self amid swirling BJP coal dust

Sep 01, 2012 |

New Delhi

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Union tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai, ruling out his resignation, attempted to blame Opposition BJP for being embroiled in a controversy over allocation of a coal block in Jharkhand, but was hard-pressed to explain his letter to the Prime Minister recommending a company in which his brother was a director.

The minister called a press conference to clarify the controversy surrounding his name in the allocation of a coal block in Jharkhand on Friday.

“This debate is sandwiched between a Delhi high court judgment and a bunch of lies being spread by BJP,” Sahai said, adding, “Parliament is not able to function due to their (BJP) lies even as the whole country is watching.”

Asked if he would consider resigning from the Union Cabinet, Sahai countered, “For what?”

Meanwhile, a clamour is rising within Congress against Sahai’s position in the Union Cabinet.

Claiming that Congress’ top leadership practices 'zero tolerance' towards corruption and the corrupt, as 'we have already seen in corruption cases relating to CWG, 2-G allocations and Adarsh Housing Society', leaders in the party on Friday said that with 'evidence' pouring in against Sahai, 'he will be left with very little option'.

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