CPI-M seeks A. Raja's resignation on 2G-spectrum scam

NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury reiterated his party's demand for the resignation of Communication Minister A Raja over the 2G telecom spectrum allocation controversies.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, Yechury said: 'It is clear from the auction which has taken place that the government would be getting double the revenue much more than the expectations."

"The 60,000-70,000 crore rupees talks that have taken place during this auction, if you compare it with the 2G auction; they sold it for a mere 2,000-2500 crore rupees. Since then we are alleging that a huge money scandal is involved in this case. And the 3G auction proves that a scam has taken place," he added

"Till the scam is investigated, we want the Minister to resign from his post. This was the demand we kept initially and we reiterate the same demands now after the 3G experience," said Yechury.

The auction for the 3G spectrum telephones was successfully completed on Wednesday after a prolonged exercise lasting 34 days.

Reportedly, this has assured the government of rupees 67,710 crore in revenue with the Pan-India licence price touching rupees 16,750.58 crore.

Communication Minister raja had been gaining criticism and the government is believed to have lost around rupees 60,000 crore for not taking the auction route stipulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Companies had to pay rupees 1,651 crore for pan-India 2G licence that came clubbed with start-up spectrum.