BJP demands CBI probe into Chidambaram's role in 2G scam

NEW DELHI: With a Delhi court framing charges against 17 persons in 2G case, BJP today demanded a CBI probe to ascertain the role of then Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the scam and insisted that he should either step down or be sacked to facilitate a fair investigation.

A special CBI court today framed charges like criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating and forgery against former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 15 others, including top corporate honchos, paving the way for their trial in the multi-crore 2G spectrum scam.

"There are sufficient prima facie charges to prove they are guilty. We hope the trial happens speedily and justice is done. However, questions do remain about those not chargesheeted, who are not being investigated or even questioned for their role in the 2G scam," BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

BJP maintained that a Cabinet decision taken in 2003 states that decisions by the Telecom Ministry were to be taken only after consultations and go-ahead of the Finance Ministry.

"This implies that decisions in the 2G spectrum allocation were taken with the consent of the cabinet, the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. A Raja had engaged in a criminal conspiracy. The ex-minister continues to say that this particular charge can equally apply to the then Finance Minister (Chidambaram)," Sitharaman said.

BJP demanded that Chidambaram should either resign from the post of Home Minister or be removed and a CBI probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court be ordered to ascertain his role in the scam.