Coalition dharma: Cong leaves Raja decision to DMK

New Delhi, Nov 11: Under immense pressure from the Opposition to sack Union Telecom Minister A Raja over the alleged irregularities in the 2G spectrum, the government has chosen to leave the decision to its ally DMK.

The Congress-led UPA has been facing fire from the BJP-led Opposition over the 2G spectrum scam for several months now. But the government has been reluctant to sack A Raja, who comes from a very crucial ally in the south - the M Karunanidhi-led DMK.

Now, with the CAG report also substantiating the allegations against the Telecom Minister, the Congress is left cornered.

Responding to questions if the party would sack A Raja in the wake of new CAG report and Opposition's campaign, the party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan cited "coalition dharma" to indicate that the decision may finally rest with DMK.

"While we assert that it is the prime minister's prerogative to decide upon his council of ministers, we will also keep in mind the coalition dharma," said Natarajan.

In connection with another scam that marred Congress' image the party asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to resign for his alleged involvement in the Adarsh housing society scam. With this move, which came ahead of the winter session of the Parliament, Congress sought to assert its moral position.

To questions if the party expects similar moral posturing from its ally DMK over the controversies surrounding the 2G Spectrum and the role of Raja, the spokesperson said, "It has been discussed several times. The matter is sub-judice. We will wait for the court decision... we will not be able to comment until the court decides the matter."

OneIndia News