New Delhi:
In the latest twist to the 2G spectrum scam, the Congress has tried to turn the tables on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They have highlighted a letter that senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi wrote in 2007 to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh advising him against auctioning 2G spectrum.
The letter written by Mr Joshi to Dr Singh is dated December 2, 2007. Mr Joshi, currently, heads the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament that is looking into the 2G spectrum scam.
In his letter, Mr Joshi, the then Chairman of the Standing Committee on Commerce, states, "Some operators have suggested that spectrum should be auctioned, which means that there could be a case of hoarding and cartelisation to the detriment of MTNL and BSNL."
(Read the entire letter)He goes on to say, "I would, therefore, request you to protect the interests of our PSUs and of genuine players. Perhaps this can be achieved by ensuring a level-playing field through a licensing policy that earns revenue for the government, unearths excess spectrum being used without meeting social obligations, and protects the interests of the PSUs."
Murli Manohar Joshi has refused to react immediately. BJP sources have told NDTV that Mr Joshi had written to the Prime Minister in his personal capacity and was speaking for the interests of the PSUs - MTNL and BSNL.
"It is surprising BJP says something else while a senior leader of his own party, who currently heads PAC examining the 2G issue had said something else earlier," Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said.