CPI (M) calls for Kapil Sibal’s resignation for zero loss statement on 2G scam

New Delhi: Supreme Court’s morning decision on withdrawing 122 2G telecom licenses issued during A Raja’s tenure, has brought in trouble for one of the main trouble shooter for the United Progressive Alliance Govt and Congress (I) minister Kapil Sibal. The opposition parties are questioning Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal’s defence of no loss or zero loss in 2G telecom scam. BJP, the main opposition party is raising questions of Kapil Sibal’s claims. CPI (M) has gone a step ahead by asking for his resignation.

The statement issued by the party states “The Polit Bureau welcomes the judgment of the Supreme Court to cancel the 122 2G licences given to telecom companies holding it as unconstitutional. The judgment is a strong indictment of the UPA government and in particular the present telecom minister who has consistently refused to cancel the licences and held that there has been no revenue loss. Kapil Sibal should resign forthwith.

In the light of the judgment, the Prime Minister is duty bound to break his silence and answer to the country. The CPI(M) demands that the government immediately implement the judgment.”

In addition to the “zero loss’ claim, Kapil Sibal on 7 Jan 2011, had claimed “For all these reasons the CAG’s criticism that the policy of awarding licences and spectrum at reasonable rates involved a large loss to the exchequer has no merit.” The critics say that the change in policy in the contractual terms resulted in a loss to the exchequer of about Rs. 40,000 crore. Similarly, the reductions in licence fee in January 2001 and again in April 2004 has also be interpreted as benefiting select players at the expense of the national exchequer by the then Government.

The government is in a huddle and Kapil Sibal is expected to speak on the issue by evening as per the Congress (I) sources.