CPI(M) demands CBI probe against Chidambaram in 2G scam

New Delhi, Sep 22: The CPI(M) today (Sept 22) demanded a CBI probe into the role of P Chidambaram, who was the Finance Minister when the 2G spectrum allocation scam took place, in view of the "mounting evidence" against him.

Referring to the note submitted by the Finance Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office in March this year, the party said it had "authoritatively" shown that Chidambaram had then cleared the allotment of licences for 2G spectrum at the 2001 entry fee, "even though the Finance Secretary and his own Ministry had pointed out the need for its revision".

It said that "evidence has also come to light that a meeting between the then Telecom Minister A Raja and Chidambaram had taken place in January 2008 in which, according to the note prepared by the Finance Secretary, the Finance Minister had stated that they are not going to re-visit the issue of entry fee or revenue sharing".

The note had made "the pertinent observation that if the Finance Ministry had stuck to its earlier stand, the licences given could have been cancelled," CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement here.

In the light of "all this mounting evidence", the party demanded a CBI investigation into the role of Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum case.

PTI