Strategy on coal issue only after PM's statement: CPI(M)

Unlike the principal opposition BJP, CPI(M) has demanded a clarification from Singh after CAG said the coal block allocations by the government had led to extending undue benefits of Rs 1.86 lakh crore to private parties.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the Prime Minister, if he makes a statement in Parliament, should clarify why the government did not implement its own decision of allocating coal blocks through competitive bidding and whether it would book all those responsible for giving away the blocks without bidding between 2005 and 2009.

"Depending on that clarification, we will take the next course of action. On that basis, we will take the issue forward," he told a press conference here.

On the three days of disruption in Parliament, he said, "Apart from Presiding Officers of both the Houses, the government has the responsibility to call the opposition parties and discuss a way out of the impasse. The government has to take the initiative but it has not done that so far."

Asked about the possibility of a mid-term poll, he said, "Whether it will happen or not will be decided by 'M-Cube' or Mulayam, Mayawati and Mamata. Neither we nor BJP can say that. 'M-Cube' is now supporting the UPA government."

Yechury said the three CAG reports on coal blocks, Delhi airport and power sector show that "crony capitalism of the worst order is being practised by this government. Due to this, private parties are making windfall gains. The coal block scam is larger than the 2G scam."