BJP questions PM's 'silence' on Antrix-Devas deal

Chennai, Feb 5: Questioning the "silence" of the Prime Minister on the Antrix-Devas deal issue, BJP today demanded that he must come clean and give a detailed explanation on various aspects including the action against four scientists.

"I think the government has a lot of explaining to do. We would definitely demand that Prime Minister come clean on it. He has to say what was the process adopted in the decision making, who were in-charge when the deal was struck. The Prime Minister remains silent on this issue. He has to give a detailed answer...," BJP spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman told reporters here.

Seetharaman sought to know whether only the four scientists blacklisted by the government were responsible for the loss. "Do they have the powers to decide on the deal? Several questions remain unanswered," she said.

On the issue of alleged exploitation of Jarawa tribals as tourist attractions in Andaman Nicobar Islands, she said "forcing the tribals is certainly unacceptable.

It is completely wrong. It remains to be corrected. Above all, marketing them (Jarawa tribals) to attract tourists may not be the right way of promoting tourism". Calling the Congress government as "lame duck", Seetharaman said, "governance paralysis was leading the country to nowhere. Whether it is a report on Commonwealth Games issue or the black money issue, Government does not give a full reply. They are selective," she said. "I think as an opposition party, we will continue to ask questions in Parliament and also outside," she said.

PTI