Centre attacks BJD government in Odisha over coal blocks issue

"While several Chief Ministers were active parties to coal allocations, Odisha Chief Minister had recommended allotment of a particular coal block to a private company. What personal interest he had?" questioned V Narayansami, Minister of State in the PMO.

He claimed that the same block, earlier allocated to another private company, was cancelled and "Naveen Patnaik recommended allocation of that particular coal block to Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL)."

Questioning the motive behind this move of Odisha government, Narayansami said the matter needs to be investigated and CBI, while enquiring into alleged corruption in coal allocation, will probe into it.

The minister maintained that allegations of irregularities in coal block allocations are being thoroughly investigated by CBI, and said action would be taken against all those found involved in wrong-doing in Odisha too. (More)