CPI(M) targets Raja, this time for 3G fees

After gunning for Communications Minister A Raja, a DMK nominee in the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, over the allocation of 2G spectrum, the CPI(M) has again targeted him for state-owned BSNL’s higher licence fees for 3G spectrum.

Even as the UPA government ruled out Raja’s removal from the Cabinet, the comrades have decided to keep up the pressure ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, slated for the end of the year.

In its politburo statement, CPI(M) has dubbed Raja as “pro-private sector” and called for a larger opposition against the trend. The party is also opposing the disinvestment of BSNL.

“This development once again underlines the pro-private sector stance of the UPA government, in general, and Telecommunication Minister A Raja, in particular, which should be resolutely opposed by all those who want to defend the public sector,” the politburo said in its statement.

It has also demanded that the “unjust order” of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) be withdrawn and BSNL be allowed to pay the licence fee at par with private sector operators.

BSNL is currently paying higher spectrum charges, while private mobile companies have managed a temporary exemption.

In February, DoT had decided to raise the spectrum usage charges for all operators according to their spectrum holdings. Private cellphone operators had approached the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal and obtained a stay order and continue to pay existing charges.