Maran alleges conspiracy behind 'armtwisting' charge

Chennai, Apr 30 (UNI) Union Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran today claimed the allegations of 'arm twisting' Tatas was part of a conspiracy to stop the ''One India Scheme'' announced by him.

In a statement here today, Mr Maran ridiculed former BJP president L K Advani's demand of a detailed enquiry into the allegation, made by a section of the press in a pre-planned manner.

He claimed it was not fair on part of the BJP leaders to demand an enquiry against him, as they did not seek action against their party leaders who were caught accepting bribe exposed by the Tehelka.

He claimed the reason behind the allegation against him was baseless. Mr Maran said he expected all this when he mooted the ''One India scheme''.

There were attempts by several firms to stall the scheme as it affected their interests. But they did not succeed.

The ''One India'' scheme was a big blow for those who thought they could achieve anything with their money power, Mr Maran added.

The present allegation against him was also part of the conspiracy with their money power to remove him from his present responsibility, he added.

He said he would not be cowed down by threats, muscle and money power. ''I am not afraid of this. I had assumed office only to serve the people and to reduce their burden'', he added.

He said he had no links with SUN TV before and after he became the Union Minister. ''The SUN TV had grown because of people's support and not after I became a Minister'', he added.

He said ''no force on earth'' can scuttle the ''One India'' scheme launched for the benifit of the people and it would continue unabated.

UNI RV AK KN1836