The Hindu : Front Page : Advani wants Maran shifted

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Monday, May 01, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Advani wants Maran shifted

Special Correspondent

Seeks `credible' investigation into allegations against the Union Minister

— Photo: M. Moorthy

BRIEFING THE MEDIA: BJP leader L .K. Advani in Tiruchi on Sunday.

TIRUCHI: Urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to shift Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran to some other Ministry, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L. K. Advani on Sunday sought a "credible" investigation into the allegations that the Minister threatened the Tata Group in connection with the stake in the Direct-to-Home (DTH) project.

Releasing copies of the letter he had written to Mr. Singh to reporters here, Mr. Advani, quoting media reports, said Mr. Maran had threatened one of the most respected captains of Indian industry, Ratan Tata, and attempted to "extort" one-third ownership rights and management of the DTH project.

Mr. Advani had stated in the letter that both Mr. Maran and his brother Kalanidhi Maran demanded that they be given one-third of the shares at par, irrespective of the real or fair value. When Mr. Tata declined, he threatened him with dire consequences for Tata telecom project and stopped all ministerial clearances to the company, putting it to competitive disadvantage and financial loss.

Mr. Advani said: "The allegation of extortion by a Minister is something unprecedented in Indian politics. What is reported is not a simple allegation of favouritism or bribery. The issue also involves political ethics and strikes at the root of good governance."

Allegations baseless

Terming the allegations "false, baseless and politically motivated," Mr. Dayanidhi Maran said Mr. Advani's demand betrayed the BJP's secret pact with the AIADMK.

Mr. Maran, addressing reporters here, said telecom companies opposed to his `One India' scheme were behind the happenings.

He clarified that he had no stakes in Sun TV before or after assuming charge as Minister. "I will not be cowed down by such allegations," Mr. Maran said.

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