2G scam: Raja volunteers to depose before JPC

Former telecom minister A Raja has volunteered to appear before the JPC probing the 2G telecom spectrum scam, saying his evidence will definitely bring the nation closer in uncovering the truth hidden “under lies propagated by the media.” HT reports.

Former telecom minister A Raja has volunteered to appear before the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probing the 2G telecom spectrum scam, saying his evidence will definitely bring the nation closer in uncovering the truth hidden “under lies propagated by the media.”

Raja, in a three-page letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar stated that since some committee members wanted him to depose, he was ready to do so.

The former minister, currently facing trial in the case, was referring to media reports that senior officers of telecom department and Attorney General GE Vahanvati have appeared before the JPC.

“Unfortunately, their deposition appears to be contrary to the facts of the case and intended to be an exercise in blame shifting,” Raja wrote.

Raja’s move, backed by his party, DMK, a key UPA ally, could strain its relations with the Congress, which is not in favour of any new witnesses being summoned by the JPC at this juncture.

Raja has argued that the JPC cannot be “misguided by false and incomplete evidence and it is obvious that I (Raja) would be best placed to explain the policy and rationale of the government behind the issuance of 2G licences and grant of spectrum.”

“The government’s reaction clearly reveals that the mandate of cabinet decision was not to auction spectrum.”