'I have not deviated from norms for spectrum allocation'

Rejecting allegations of alleged irregularities in spectrum allocation to telecom firms, Communication and IT Minister A Raja today said he had not deviated from the norms followed by his predecessors.

"I have only followed the stipulations laid down by my predecessors and officials and have not deviated from them," Raja, who has come under attack from Oppositions parties over the spectrum allocation, which has allegedly caused a revenue loss of Rs 22,000 crore to the government, told reporters here.

"Do you expect them (Oppositions) to appreciate my works," Raja, who was on a visit to his Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency, said when asked about calls by Oppositions for his removal from the Cabinet in the wake of searches on telecom ministry offices by the CBI.

Raja has ruled out stepping down from the Cabinet.

During its searches in the last two days, the CBI sleuths have visited the Sanchar Bhavar, which houses the Telecom Ministry, and various other offices, including those of telecom firms and the Department of Telecom, in connection with alleged irregularities in allocation of spectrum, or radio waves, for 2G mobile telephony to new operators.