Cong turns down BJP's preconditions to end Parliament logjam

The Congress today trashed all the three demands made by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as preconditions for breaking the deadlock in Parliament. Finance Minister P Chidambaram today described BJP’s demand for the prime minister’s resignation as “outrageous”. Regarding the second demand of cancellation of the 142 coal blocks, he said an inter-ministerial group (IMG) was currently in the process of reviewing the coal block allocations. The third demand for a judicial probe into the coal allocations was “a little belated” as CBI has already commenced a probe, according to the finance minister.

Chidambaram, addressing reporters, reiterated the entire coal block allocation policy being followed since 1993, by both the BJP and subsequently carried on by the UPA government, was “flawed”. There were cases of unsatisfactory mining, and showcause notices were issued for mines allocated before 2004 (pre UPA I regime) as well as after 2004.

He made clear that “it (cancellation) cannot be done through a diktat or arbitrary orders. Cancellation can only be done through a fair process and it (IMG) is underway.” He added the PMO had indicated the IMG should quicken its pace and submit its report latest by September 15.

“The government has done all that needs to be done,” said Chidambaram, and urged the Opposition to return to Parliament so that a debate on the coalgate issue can be held. Deviating from the Congress’ line of questioning the authority of the CAG itself, Chidambaram today chose not to go into the merits of the CAG report, but said the government had already initiated steps to review the coal block allocations through the IMG.