BJP demands CBI probe into POSCO deal

BANAI (ORISSA): BJP's Vice-president and MP, Jual Oram on Monday demanded a CBI probe into the MoU signed by the Orissa Government with the South Korean steel major POSCO.

The inquiry should go into all aspects of the MoU including the establishment of the 12 million tonne plant, captive mine and captive port, he said while addressing a rally held under the banner of the 'Khandadhar Surakhya Samiti' here.

Amidst slogans of "POSCO hatao, Khandadhar Bachao", Oram criticised the government's decision to recommend to the centre for leasing the Khandadhar iron ore mines to the South Korean company.

"The government had agreed to sell valuable iron ore from Khandadhar to the Koreans at cheap price helping the latter to make a profit of Rs 1500 per tonne of ore", the former union minister claimed.

Oram, who represents the Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat, said the chief minister should spend more time looking into the welfare of the people rather than "looking after the needs of big companies".