Coalgate: Sriprakash Jaiswal in tune with statement issued by PMO

Union Coal Minister says most of the missing files related to coal block allocations have been found

Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal on Tuesday said he fully endorsed the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on the coal blocks allocation issue.

"I would not like to make any comment on the CBI investigation, which is being monitored by Supreme Court. I hundred percent agree with the statement issued by the PMO," he told media here.

To a poser on missing files on coal block allocations, Jaiswal said almost all the missing files have been found.

The PMO has defended the coal block allocation made to Hindalco terming it as entirely appropriate.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PMO said the decision was based on the merits of the case placed before him by the coal ministry with a strong recommendation of the Odisha Government.

Tracing the procedures followed before the allocation was made, it said the Prime Minister was satisfied over the final decision taken in the case.

The statement said the allocation is subjected to an on going investigation and no impediment is placed before the CBI to continue the investigation and seek fresh information, which may have a bearing in the case.

The statement said the investigation on this and other matters must take their normal course under the law.

The CBI has lodged an FIR against Birla and former Coal Secretary P.C. Parakh as part of its ongoing probe in the coal blocks allocation case.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma had earlier come out in support of Birla, and urged the government agencies to not play to the gallery and create an environment of sensation and shock.

The Commerce and Industry Minister's support for Birla came a day after the CBI filed an FIR against him in the coal blocks allotment scandal.

The BJP has held the Prime Minister responsible and demanded his resignation for an estimated loss of Rs 1.86 lakh crores to the national exchequer by the CAG in connection with the coal block allocation.

The CAG report does not indict the Prime Minister or his office, but the BJP is emphasizing that the Prime Minister held direct charge of the coal ministry for the years under scrutiny.