Advani wants PM's statement on ''scandal involving Baalu''

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 27 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani today demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh make a statement in Parliament on the scandal involving a DMK Minister as the Prime Minister's Office was also ''involved'' in it.

''The Minister has admitted to have approached the PMO and sought favours for his sons. The PMO has written as many as eight letters to the Petroleum Ministry, recommending the Minister's case,'' he told reporters here.

''As the PMO is also involved in this murky episode, the Prime Minister should make a statement in both the Houses of Parliament,'' Mr Advani said.

The BJP members had raised their strong protest in Parliament on Union Surface Transport and Shipping Minister T R Baalu allegedly using his influence to get gas supply for his sons' firm.

''We have to get an authoritative version of all the scandal. The people want to know what the Prime Minister has to say about the whole episode, in which his office is also involved,'' he said.

Stating that the administration at the Centre was in a ''mess'', he said the UPA government was executing powers without any accountability.

The alliance at the Centre had two forces who ''do not see eye-to-eye'' and who were ''diametrically against each other'', which had led to the ''mess'' at the Centre, he added.

Asked about the Left advocating for a Third Front, Mr Advani said the BJP was not at all worried over it. It showed the ''pathetic condition'' of the Left parties, he added.

On the Nuclear deal with the US, he said the Congress was not particular about the deal going through as they want the continuous support of the Left.

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