'BJP targeting PC and saffron terror probe not linked'

Arun Jaitley on Sunday denied any link between the probe into saffron terror cases and the BJP gunning for P. Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum scam.

Arun Jaitley on Sunday denied any link between the probe into saffron terror cases and the BJP gunning for P. Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum scam.

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"There is absolutely no basis in those allegations," he told Karan Thapar's Devil's Advocate programme on CNN-IBN.

Jaitley, the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, said investigations into the blasts at Malegaon, Mecca Masjid and on the Samjhauta Express were on even when his party was all-praise for Chidambaram for his action against Maoists.

"I defended Chidambaram even when his party was not standing by him (on action against Maoists)...Because we agreed with him.... Even then these investigations were going on," Jaitley said.

Justifying the BJP stand against Chidambaram on the 2G spectrum case, he said: "In this case, there is a lot of explanation that the government and the then finance minister have to give."

Jaitley maintained that in a January 15, 2008 note, Chidambaram had noted that the best methodology for allocation of spectrum is auction but in this case, spectrum having already been allotted, the matter may be closed.

"The boycott of the home minister and Parliament functioning can co-exist. It is only when he has to speak that we raise an objection."

Jaitley held that the government was also hiding the truth by keeping silent on Chidambaram's alleged favours to an ex-client. "Let them (government) place the files on table of Parliament. Government could have placed the files. I am afraid Parliament is not going to be a mute museum. The government owes an explanation."