Coal Minister rubbishes Madhya Pradesh allegation

Kolkata, May 3 (UNI) Minister of State for Coal Santosh Bagrodia today termed ''baseless'' the Madhya Pradesh government's allegation of discrimination over coal supply.

'' The charges by the Madhya Pradesh government against the Centre are unethical and undemocratic, '' the Coal Minister told a news conference.

Mr Bagrodia said despite the Madhya Pradesh government failing to clear dues of Rs 320 crore by the end of March, coal supply to the state continued. The state could not even lift the allocated coal, the Coal Minister alleged.

He, however, refused to give details on the quantum of coal not lifted by the state.

Mr Bagrodia said neither did the UPA government discriminate anybody nor did it believe in the policy of discrimination and assured of adequate supply to meet the increasing demand of coal in the country.

UNI PC SJC AM RK1925