Venkaiah Naidu slams Congress over Telecom scam probe

Chennai, Feb 7 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Venkaiah Naidu has expressed concern on the magnitude of corruption exposed in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Naidu critised Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal for arguing no loss had been caused to the exchequer by the telecom scam.

"Mr. Kapil Sibal has acted against the conventions of the Parliament. He has also affected the privilege of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). By criticising PAC and CAG, he has committed a breach of privilege of Parliament. He said that there is no loss to the revenue of the government.Then what for the CBI inquiry? Then what for the PAC inquiry? Then what is the CAG report? Then why Mr. Raja is arrested? Why are the other officers arrested? The government of India is duty bound to answer all these questions," said Naidu.

Naidu urged the Congress to accept the BJP's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe to ensure smooth functioning of the upcoming budget session.

"The best way is let the government cooperate with the Opposition and accept for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe. The Parliament should function normally and discuss all important issues, that is the wish of the BJP. At the same time, we cannot compromise on the institution of an inquiry by JPC. The responsibility lies on the ruling party to see that the Parliament functions effectively," said Naidu.

A. Raja was forced to resign last year after a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) faulted him for undervaluing spectrum to favour companies who were largely ineligible for 2G spectrum, and added that the Government had probably lost Rs.1.76 lakh crore in estimated revenue. (ANI)