2G scam: DMK demands examination of documents filed by DoT

New Delhi, Sept 20: In an apparent effort to delay adoption of the controversial JPC report which had indicted former Telecom Minister A Raja in 2G scam, DMK has demanded examination of documents the DoT had filed before courts and the CAG while defending the spectrum allocation.

DMK member in the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G scam T R Baalu has written to panel chief P C Chacko to "immediately" call for the records of the various affidavits filed by the DoT before courts defending the 2G radiowave allocation. DMK is the erstwhile partner of UPA and Raja was a Cabinet minister from DMK's quota in UPA I.

He has also demanded that the communication between the DoT and the CAG should also be called for examination. Baalu said the officials which helped settle the various affidavits should also be summoned before the 30-member panel. The JPC is meeting on Monday to adopt the draft report circulated in April.

He said the documents have "ample justification" for the actions taken by the DoT. He charged the panel with ignoring the documents. "JPC has neither examined the documents in this regard nor the persons who were instrumental in formulating the said...I, therefore, request you to immediately call for the records of these affidavits/letters and also arrange for the examination of the officers (who) are instrumental in preparing and settling these affidavits/letters," he wrote.

Battle lines have been drawn for the meeting as BJP and Left members are all set to oppose the draft report by either giving strong notes of dissent or even demanding a vote.

The Committee has 12 members of the ruling UPA -- Congress (11) and NCP (1).Among its outside allies, SP has one member and BSP two. Opposition camp has BJP (6), BJD (1), TMC (1), CPI (1), CPI-M (1), DMK (1) and AIADMK (1).JD(U), which recently split with BJP, has two members and the party's stand will be crucial. Besides, there is one nominated member from the Rajya Sabha.

PTI