Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy, who awaits a court decision on his plea that P. Chidambaram be investigated for his alleged role in the 2G telecom scam, launched a fresh salvo against the Union Home Minister and his son, Karti, on Thursday.
In a press meet, Dr. Swamy released a three-page letter to the Prime Minister, dated April 24, demanding Mr. Chidambaram's resignation and seeking the inclusion of father and son in the CBI's probe on the sale of telecom firm Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis.
His main allegation centres round what he claimed was a “dubious transaction” between a firm “controlled” by Mr. Karti – which he identified as M/s Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Ltd. — and Aircel in March 2006, just before Maxis' investment of Rs. 4,000 crore.
Dr. Swamy alleged that Mr, Chidambaram, as Finance Minister, ensured that the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance on the Aircel-Maxis deal was given only after that transaction.
The Hindu is unable to verify the authenticity of the documents circulated by Dr. Swamy at his press conference to back up his claims.
Mr. Karti Chidambaram could not be reached for his comments but the chartered accountant of M/s Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd, R. Balachandran, issued a press note in Chennai saying that his client “had taken notice of the press meet held by Dr. Subramaniam Swamy … The company states that they have placed the matter in the hands of their lawyers to take appropriate legal action immediately.”
Dr. Swamy alleged that despite his having written to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate on the matter, they were limiting their probe to the role of Mr. Maran and his brother in the matter.
Mr. Sivasankaran has earlier independently alleged that licences vital for his business were held up by Mr. Maran. The Licences were only granted after Mr. Sivasankaran sold Aircel to Maxis.
