2G scam: Only my deposition can bring credibility, says A Raja

NEW DELHI: Former telecom minister A Raja has said only his deposition before the JPC can make the exercise “credible and complete.” The joint parliamentary committee probing the 2G spectrum allocation has denied Raja an opportunity to personally present his side of the story as he is one of the main accused in the case.

In response to a three-point questionnaire from JPC chairman PC Chacko, Raja rejected the claim of then solicitor-general GE Vahanvati that the press release on the spectrum allocation was amended subsequent to his clearing the file.

“It would appear that that JPC has already reached a conclusion on this without even hearing my evidence. I would call upon you to proceed with an open mind in the interest of fair inquiry and not reach any premature conclusion,” Raja said in the letter.

He also contested the claim that he had ignored or disregarded the advice of the prime minister and the finance ministry and claimed no statement was recorded to that effect either by CBI or JPC. “I will establish that these allegations are misconceived and that all decisions were taken collectively by the Department of Telecom with the express or tacit consent of other senior functionaries of the government,” Raja said.

He said he was best placed to explain the policy and rationale of the government behind the issuance of UAS licences and grant of spectrum as well as the sequence of events and the role of various individuals and institutions.

Raja has been maintaining that the then external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, Vahanvati and himself were involved in finalising the press release. This, according to Raja, was communicated to the prime minister.