Pranab hits back at BJP over corruption

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday hit back at the BJP for demanding a JPC probe into the 2G spectrum allocation, saying it had no right to speak on corruption after its party president had been caught on camera taking a bribe. HT reports.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday hit back at the BJP for demanding a JPC probe into the 2G spectrum allocation, saying it had no right to speak on corruption after its party president had been caught on camera taking a bribe.

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The Congress will keenly watch the developments on Monday, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, when it expects the fragile Opposition unity on the 2G scam - that has stalled the Parliament proceedings for 16 consecutive days - to break.

"People shouldn't forget what we have seen in the earlier regime. What happened in Tehelka? How was the president of a national party found taking money? It was on camera. If they talk of this corruption, let them speak," Mukherjee said.

He was referring to a sting operation by Tehelka during the NDA regime when BJP chief Bangaru Laxman was caught on camera taking a bribe.

Mukherjee also spoke of a "trial by media" in the 2G spectrum allocation.

"We have started investigations into corruption from Day One, when the (VK Shunglu) committee was appointed after the Commonwealth Games ... as soon as the CAG report was available, the minister concerned resigned. Whether he is corrupt or not is not yet established."

The BJP replied that the Congress-led government was trying to divert attention from the demand for a JPC.

"The Congress is trying to divert attention from this issue. LK Advani has given a detailed statement on why JPC should be instituted. We will not be party to any attempt of the government to divert attention from this," leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said.

He said since the UPA had "dented the credibility" of the CBI and CVC, there was "no option but to go for a JPC", justifying the stalling of Parliament.

"If the parliamentary stalemate and pressure had not been there, resignation of (telecom minister) A Raja would perhaps not have happened. Perhaps the probe into the Commonwealth Games would not have begun and if the government wants to show its honesty so much, why is it running away from a JPC?"