Congress pressurised CBI to not examine Manmohan Singh during tenure: BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao on Wednesday said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was under pressure for not investigating former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his role in the coal block allocation case relating to Hindalco.

"I think during the entire UPA tenure, there was a pressure on the CBI to not investigate this matter. Dilute picture were given to the Supreme Court. Election defeat in 2014 is not the only punishment that he deserves. I think the congress party needs to come clear on this and has to answer to the public of India. The country expects the answer from former prime minister Manmohan singh," said Rao.

The CBI has reportedly examined and questioned the former Prime Minister on his role in the coal block allocation case relating to Hindalco.

The CBI is yet to give an official confirmation in this regard, even as Dr Singh's office has denied receiving any such summons.

According to one media report, CBI officials "examined" Dr. Singh at his home two days ago.

The case pertained to the allocation of a Talabira II block to Hindalco when Dr Singh was holding the coal portfolio.

The CBI has to file a status report in connection with the case before a special court by January 27.

Further details are awaited.