Jaitley seeks SIT probe into PMO role in coal scam

Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Sunday demanded setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe into coal block allocations. He said the party did not have faith in the CBI as any investigation would involve the Prime Minister’s Office.

Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Sunday demanded setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe into coal block allocations. He said the party did not have faith in the CBI as any investigation would involve the Prime Minister’s Office.

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He told reporters in Panaji that “in light of the fact that action of PMO has to be inquired into, CBI's investigation will never meet high standard of credibility. The recent track record of the CBI is also not much encouraging. The BJP does not have faith in CBI as the agency takes orders from central government.”

Jaitley said the BJP wanted the probe on the lines of Justice MB Shah Commission, which investigated instances of illegal mining across states. “I am afraid the agency inquiring into coal block allocation (CBI) does not have that level of credibility,” Jaitley said.

He said the party stood firm on its demand for resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in connection with the coal scam and will take to streets to highlight it.

“The party is meeting on September 13 to decide its future course of action in this matter,” Jaitley said, adding “the party will go to the root of the matter so that nature of these allotments and kind of people involved can be exposed.”

Accusing the ruling UPA of being in power at the Centre only by “manipulating smaller parties,” he also said, the Manmohan Singh’s government has completely exhausted its mandate to rule the nation.

Responding to a question, the BJP leader said the party's act of not allowing the Parliament to function was "democratic means to seek justice". "By not allowing the Parliament, we are now aiming to cleanse the coal sector," he added.