CPI-M opposes BSNL disinvestment

New Delhi, Jan 15 (UNI) The CPI (M) today expressed serious concern over the proposed 10 per cent divestment of shares of public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) terming it as "detrimental" to the interests of the BSNL.

The party's Polit Bureau in a release here said the reason being cited by the UPA government for the disinvestment was that funds were required for the expansion of network and services of the telecom giant.

"This is baseless as the BSNL has Rs 4,000 crore surplus which can be used for this purpose," the statement said, adding that the public sector company was already disadvantaged following acquisition of GSM lines and other measures necessary to meet private competition.

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