Oppn seeks PM's reply on missing coal block allocation files

The Supreme Court too has come down heavily on the the government on the issue

Opposition BJP today demanded a reply from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the missing files related to coal block allocations saying the Supreme Court too has come down down heavily on the government on the issue.

Raising the issue during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) said the government has admitted before Supreme Court that a large number of files are missing.

He said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour as the Supreme Court yesterday come down heavily on the government over the missing files issue.

"Nothing is more important... Prime Minister should come and reply," he said.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said the government has never avoided a discussion on the issue and the Prime Minister was sitting in the House for one hour when the issue last figured.

Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitely said since the discussion on the previous occasion was inconclusive, the issue has not been abandoned.

"Prime Minister can be requested to come back and answer," he said and asked whether Singh will reply.

Shukla then said he will come back to the House after consulting the Prime Minister.