The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday demanded the resignation of Communications Minister A. Raja, saying the vast difference in the prices garnered for 3G spectrum and the 2G spectrum “convincingly proved” that he was “involved in corrupt practices by selling 2G spectrum to some industrialists by manipulating TRAI [Telecom Regulatory Authority of India] recommendations.”
In a statement, the CPI(M) pointed out that whereas Rs. 70,000 crore was promised in the 3G auction, 2G was sold for just Rs. 2,000 crore. This proved that “Mr. Raja had done so by blatantly violating the law, causing a huge loss to the public exchequer. Despite repeated demands made in Parliament and outside, he is nonchalantly continuing to stick to his position. Such a situation cannot be allowed to be continued.”
“The CPI(M) demands that Mr. Raja immediately resign from his post pending a high-power enquiry into the entire 2G spectrum scam. If the Minister refuses to resign, the Prime Minister should sack him to maintain the dignity of the high post Mr. Raja is holding in the government,” the statement said.
