Coal scam :BJP 'firm' on PM's resignation, Congress reply 'baseless'

Opposition BJP is firm on the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the connection of latest CAG revelation over the allocation of coal block whereas Congress has said that all the charges is just baseless and it is ready to discuss on the issue. Meanwhile Parliament adjourned till Wednesday amid the uproar on the coal scam.

As it was decided BJP has hinted earlier that it would raise the coal scam issue strongly and it did so. When the parliament started its proceedings on Tuesday, its member started shouting slogan against the Prime Minister and demanded resignation in the connection of the CAG report.

In the Lok Sabha, the issue did not die down when the house met after the short adjournment till 12 noon with the opposition rushing towards Speaker Meira Kumar's podium.

The government said the opposition should let the house function and have a discussion on the issue. The government offered a discussion in the house with Home Minister and Leader of the House Sushilkumar Shinde saying, "We can discuss the issue. We have no objection."

The speaker asked the opposition if it agreed to the discussion but the slogans and shouting continued, forcing her to adjourn the house for the day.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said on the issue, "It is unfortunate that they stalled the house and didn't let anyone speak. We are prepared for a detailed discussion and then we will see what happens. They (BJP) want to create a situation of crisis but people should know the truth and what is their (BJP) role in coal allocation scam."

Bansal said demands for the prime minister's resignation were 'baseless'.

It is noted that India's official auditor had last week revealed that the lack of transparency in the allocation of coal blocks to private players resulted in a loss of a whopping Rs.1.85 lakh crore ($37 billion) to the exchequer as on March 11 last year.

(With inputs from IANS)