Joshi should clarify stance on 2G spectrum, says Congress

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Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chief and BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi should clarify his stance on the controversy over the 2G spectrum losses mentioned in the draft report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), union minister Manish Tewari said on Friday.

The controversy arose after principal auditor R.P. Singh told television channels that the CAG's 2G report had been influenced by Joshi and the loss figure mentioned in the report was presumptive and restored despite having been deleted by him in the draft.

"What is extremely important is that (in) May 2010, when the draft report is prepared by R.P. Singh, the loss is quantified at Rs.20,645 crore. But in November 2010, (when) the report is presented before the parliament, the loss jumps to Rs.1 lakh 76 thousand crore," Tiwari told reporters.

"Who is responsible for the 2G loss figure in the report?" Tiwari asked.

"Former CAG officer R.P. Singh has levelled a serious allegation. Joshi should clear his stand," said Tiwari.

The revelations sparked a furore with Congress leaders demanding a reply from the BJP as well as the CAG.

"I believe the issue will be discussed in the parliament too," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath.

"The allegations have questioned the status of the body which keeps check over the government's functions. This is not right for a political game," senior Congress leader Girija Vyas added.