Maran, Yechury clash over remarks on MTNL, BSNL

New Delhi, Aug 24: IT and Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran and CPM Politburu Bureau Sitaram Yechury today clashed in the Rajya Sabha after the latter asked the Minister whether the State-owned MTNL and BSNL were deliberately not installing new towers so that their services would not improve and private mobile operators flourish.

An agitated Mr Maran said Mr Yechury's remarks were not fair and would only ''demoralise the employees of MTNL and BSNL''. Mr Yechury shot back saying the State-owned telephone companies were running because of workers, with whom he was associated and not because of the minister.

''How can I demoralise the workers since I am member of their unions. It is the unions which have informed me that the government companies are helping the private operators. The BSNL and MTNL are being run by the workers and not the minister,'' CPM Member retorted.

Senior Congress members like Karan Singh seated next to Mr Maran advised him to keep his cool. So did Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi. Mr Dasmunsi, who was sitting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, got up and walked up to Mr Maran asking him to maintain his cool as the Left members were on their toes in support of Mr Yechury.

In the end, CPM member Brinda Karat remarked: what is the reply to Mr Yechury 's question?

UNI