CBI should broadbase probe into 'blunder' in using coalfield: AIADMK

PUDUCHERRY: Opposition AIADMK today demanded that CBI broadbase its probe into the 'blunder' by state public sector PIPDIC ( Industrial Development Corporation) in utilising the coalfield earmarked to government in Naini coalfields in Odisha for generation of electricity.

Party's local unit secretary A Anbalagan, MLA said the government was sanctioned a 40 year lease to quarry 250 million ton coalfield in Naini coalfield in Odisha in September 2007 for power generation, which would have helped the union territory now meet its power requirements.

The then Congress government had inked an agreement in this regard and V Vaithilingam (now Congress opposition leader) was the Chief Minister.

Anbalagan alleged PIPDIC had committed a serious blunder in authorising a totally inexperienced firm to utilise the coalfield, in violation of all rules and statutory provisions.

The firm was owned by entrepreneurs of a political party, then an alliance partner of Congress at the Centre, he said and alleged that several irregularities were committed in utilising the lease.

He wanted the ongoing CBI probe into the blunder of PIPDIC be broadbased to bring Vaithilingam and officials of PIPDIC and all those in office in 2007 under the CBI scanner.

Anbalagan said the progress of the probe should also be made public through a white paper.

He also wanted the Speaker to immediately convene a special Assembly session as several issues were hanging in the balance without solution.

On the coming CHOGM meet in Sri Lanka, he said Chief Minister Rangasamy should strongly oppose India's participation in the meet. He should urge the Prime Minister to refrain from attending the meet, he said.