New Delhi: As parliament was disrupted for the 12th successive day Thursday over allocation of coal blocks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sought an answer from the government as to why there was no probe ordered in the money trail in the faulty allotments.
Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said that according to market sources Rs.50-Rs.100 per tonne were paid as kickbacks by the allottees.
"They want us to believe that 17 billion tonnes of coal was given away for free. Market sources say the rate (kickbacks) taken was Rs.50 to Rs.100 per tonne. Is the government ready for a judiciary-monitored independent probe in the money trail," Javadekar asked.
He also targeted Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh who earlier asked the BJP to "look within" for answers on coal blocks allocation.
"Firstly, Jairam Ramesh should answer one question - who signed on the orders for allotment of coal blocks," Javadekar asked.
"Secondly, they (Congress) always say that BJP chief ministers wrote letters... Congress chief ministers also opposed the new policy (for auctioning of coal blocks). They are not showing those letters," he said.
The BJP has been demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh`s resignation over the coal issue, as he was holding the portfolio of coal minister through most of the time when allocations were made.
The main opposition party has also sought cancellation of allotment of blocks and a fair probe in the alleged scam.
PTI
