Monsoon session of parliament be extended, says Marandi

The issue (Coal scam) should be debated in the ongoing session of parliament and the session should be extended, if required, to discuss it minutely, Marandi, who is a Lok Sabha member told newsmen here last night.

Accusing the prevailing faulty system in the country for the scams, Marandi said the policy of "first come, first serve" in the 2G spectrum and allotment of coal blocks "without auction has caused huge loss of revenue."

The JVM supremo strongly advocated for constitution of a proper mechanism to ensure proper utilization and proper distribution of minerals.

Accusing both Congress and BJP of being "responsible for the scams" that took place between 2004-2009, Marandi said it would not be proper to raise accusing finger on Congress alone as BJP had been the main opposition party during the period but failed to sniff any of the scams till the CAG report.

Besides, several Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states had also recommended for coal blocks, he alleged.

Referring the recommendations made by the Jharkhand government during the period, he said while Arjun Munda-led government had recommended for allotment of 14 coal blocks, the Madhu Koda-head government backed by Congress made recommendation for 13 coal blocks. (more)