Bhubaneswar:
After facing a lot of heat from the Opposition over the allocation of coal blocks, the Congress today launched its counter offensive. V Narayanasamy, Minister of State on the Prime Minister's Office, addressed a press conference where he defended the government.
Here are the highlights:
- The CAG report compares mining price of Coal India Limited (CIL) and private companies - that is supposed to be presumptive loss.
- Coal India has blocks in prime location. Private players have blocks in the jungle, infrastructure has to be developed by them.
- Therefore, PM has said CAG's calculations are not in accordance with existing norms.
- CAG never said the allocation was a scam.
- BJP has been sarcastic about the CAG, we were very reserved.
- PM submitted a statement saying he is ready to discuss, normally the ruling party doesn't agree for a debate.
- Why is the BJP running away from a discussion?