CBI May Probe Coal Block Allocations in NDA Govt: PMO
Minister of State in the PMO V Narayansami today said Centre is examining demands for including coal block allocations made during NDA rule within purview of CBI probe.

"There are demands from various quarters to include coal block allocations made during BJP-led NDA rule from 1999 to 2004. Union Coal Ministry is looking into it," he said here.

Maintaining that Centre had taken pro-active step by ordering probe into the allocations in March 2012, much before CAG gave its report, he alleged BJP is finding CBI probe "inconvenient as it fears that its own leaders would be exposed."

Dismissing BJP's demand for SIT probe into the alleged irregularities in coal blocks distribution, Narayansami said CBI is very much an independent agency with a reputation for impartiality, making many states recommend for probe by it.

"Action will be taken against anyone found guilty in CBI probe ... Including chief ministers, ministers or officials," he said.

Holding coal bearing states, including those ruled by BJP, responsible for coal block allocations, Narayansami said about 90 per cent work relating to allotment, starting from sending recommendations to endorsing and executing the allocation, is vested with the states.

Stating that 39 coal blocks were allocated during BJP-led NDA rule without following any guidelines or transparent policy, he said when UPA came to power the prime minister sought allocation of coal in a transparent way.

When views of states were sought, states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal opposed auction mode, he said, adding that coal bearing states were party to allocation as the screening committee included their chief secretaries.

Slamming BJP for making an "unreasonable, unethical and unfair" demand for resignation of the Prime Minister, Narayansami said nowhere in the CAG report there is any mention about "any scam in coal allocation."

"The name of Prime Minister also does not figure, it was UPA government which framed guidelines and procedures for coal block allotment in 2005," he said.

He said before demanding Prime Minister's resignation, the BJP should ask its chief ministers to resign for their "role" in coal block allocation.

He also accused BJP of "forgetting" that its chief ministers had "strongly opposed" auction mode for allocations.

Hitting out at BJP for stalling Parliament over the issue, Narayansami said the impasse prevented passage of several important bills and discussion on burning issues.

Accusing BJP of "destabilise the government and nation" by blocking proceedings in the Parliament, Narayansami said government as well as most political parties, including many NDA allies, were in favour of debate on the coal issue.

"Now BJP is no more seeking prime minister's resignation but wants cancellation of coal block allocations," he said.

Rejecting the demand for cancellation of allocations, the Union minister said it would be unfair and unethical to do so in view of the time spent and investments already made.
Emerging story. Watch this space for updates as more details come in
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4/D-38
Sep 14, 2012
09:34 AM

This seems to be the only defense left with the Congress. In 2012, they find issues with NDA allocation simply because they are caught with their pants down. Even after trying this strategy in 2G by dragging Shourie and failing miserably, they have not learned anything.

RSM, Delhi
3/D-77
Sep 13, 2012
08:09 PM

it means dragging the name of NDA everytime the congress is admitting that it is involved in corrution scandal in the firs place.let everybody be investigated and let the law take its own course.Still it shamelessly boasting as if its a saint and the NDA are sinners.

Look at the case of  Jagan Reddy.His millions would not have seen the light of the day had he remained in the congress till now.There are many jagan Reddys in the congress.

rahul
Bangalore, India
2/D-64
Sep 13, 2012
06:31 PM

PM did nothing wrong because he was simply following the previous procedure. But the previous procedure was corrupt and hence we are going to investigate. But the PM did no wrong because he was following the previous procedure..................

Manmohan Singh and co are a bunch of distilled idiots.

Rakhal, Philadelphia
1/D-53
Sep 13, 2012
03:41 PM

 
CBI May Probe Coal Block Allocations in NDA Govt: PMO >> It is not PMO talking - it is Narayanaswamy in Orissa defending coal block allocations to cronies while defending Tytler for inciting violence.

bharat, delhi
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