This Article is From Oct 20, 2013
Coal scam: Country wants PM's Office to explain other allocations, says BJP
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement yesterday defending Manmohan Singh's decision to allocate two coal blocks to industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla's company Hindaco.
- The Prime Minister has explained for the first time the allocation of the coal block. This is after there was furious reaction throughout the country for booking Mr Birla and Parakh, who are reputed industrialists and bureaucrats. Can the nation now expect that he will explain all the allocations mentioned in all the 14 FIRs lodged till date?
Prakash Javadekar, BJP - There is no conspiracy. We took a decision. We put up a file and accepted it. A file is presented to us. Then the PMO looks at it, analyses it and gives it to the PM. Do you expect the PM to read each page before signing it? I have been a minister. If things work like this, nothing will be accomplished. Salman Khurshid, Congress
- The statement made by the PMO yesterday is exactly what I have been maintaining. It's not anything new. I am glad the PM has clarified that there's no controversy and that the decision is based on merit. PC Parakh, former Coal Secretary
- In Parliament we pressured the PM to make a statement, he made that statement very reluctantly. We want the investigation to be completed as soon as possible without any pressure impeding it. Any scam that involves anyone from the government, he must be held responsible. Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M)
- In which direction are the CBI director and the government going? They are themselves investigating and saying they are right. They are also doing pick and choose in the working. The Supreme Court is also looking into it. Our country is in a strange situation. Sharad Yadav, JD (U) leader
- PM is satisfied with decision on Hindalco coal block. The decision on Hindalco was entirely appropriate. It was based on merits of the case before the prime minister. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission
Prakash Javadekar, BJP 
Salman Khurshid, Congress 
PC Parakh, former Coal Secretary 
Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) 
Sharad Yadav, JD (U) leader 
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
