New Delhi: Tussle between the Ambani brothers over the price of gas is now getting a political tone. On Sunday, 30 Left MPs wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to ensure that gas in the Krishna-Godavari basin is not treated as family property.
In their letter, the MPs said that gas is a national asset and cannot be held hostage to the benevolence and mercy of some private players, and so its pricing should be based on rational and transparent formulation.
"Our stand has been made clear. This is a national resource and the government should take over it," said Sitaram Yechury, Politburo member, CPM.
First, it was Anil Ambani's good friend Mulayam Singh Yadav who forced the government to speak on the issue in Parliament. Now, ahead of Petroleum Minister Murli Deora's statement on Monday, the Left has stepped up pressure. And they seem have to got support from unlikely quarters.
"Anil Ambani has raised some very serious questions in a public forum. The government has sovereign right to take over the natural reserve after paying adequate compensation," said senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.
Aware that the sibling rivalry can flare up into a major political battle, sources say the government would try to play a neutral role.