Nothing wrong in ministers' concern over Birla being named in

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Oct 17 2013 | 7:01 PM IST
Congress today saw nothing wrong in Union Ministers expressing concerns over industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla being named by CBI in coal scam case saying no one should jump to a conclusion till facts arrive.
Party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary at the same time said there is no question of undermining any agency or protecting any individual.
"Today this matter is between court and CBI. It's their matter.. Whatever happens, as the evidence comes out, it will be decided. But in between trading charges against each other is injustice. Have some patience. Truth will come out once the inquiry is over," Chowdhary told reporters at AICC briefing.
Rejecting the Opposition's attack over the ministers's remarks, the Congress spokesperson wondered "what is the statement they have made?"
"They(ministers) have said that...When these sorts of accusations start flying and every one is speculating, any kind of speculation will have a negative impact on the industrial growth, atmosphere. That's it. No one has said that you should protect individuals. Nobody has said that."
"We have not done any kind of veracity on what CBI has said. I have categorically said that it is between the court and CBI what they are going to find. In the meantime, can we please not have random speculation and jump to conclusions. That is the precise thing," she said.
Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pilot said such a development will dampen investment sentiment while Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma termed it as unfortunate.
Chowdhary added be it Kumar Mangalam Birla or anybody else, one should be cautious before saying anything.
"Today a question has been raised but evidence have not come. So it is better, we work with a little patience. There is nothing like protecting anybody. Till you come to a conclusion, kindly do not jump to a conclusion," she said.
To a question on whether AICC will ask its ministers not to jump the gun, she said it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
Responding to remarks by former Coal Secretary P C Parakh that the Prime Minister must be counted as a "conspirator" if there was a scam in the coal block allocations, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said "unwarranted and uncalled for" comments should be avoided on the matter.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 17 2013 | 7:01 PM IST

Next Story