2G scam throws UPA II into fresh crisis

Spectrum saga unfolds: Document exposes differences within govt on handling of pricing

Chidambaram, former finance minister now in the eye of the storm, may have a lot of explaining to do with the disclosure of Mukherjee’s ministry’s document to the Prime Minister’s Office questioning Chidambaram’s role in the 2G spectrum pricing.

The March 25, 2011, document on the allocation and pricing of 2G spectrum that broadly suggests Chidambaram could have insisted that the valuable resource be auctioned, has also become significant for one more reason.

For the first time, it exposes differences within the government over how the highly controversial issue of spectrum allocation was done. That too on record.

It would be a Herculean task for the UPA government, which is struggling to come to terms in dealing with one scandal after another in the last nearly two years, to defend itself now.

While the finance ministry has virtually acknowledged the bungling in the 2G spectrum issue, the role of Chidambaram has come into sharp focus as  then finance minister, as the “secret note” suggested,  was not in favour of spectrum, which would have brought in huge revenue to the exchequer.

In sharp focus

The differences between Mukherjee and Chidambaram is by now well-known but it had never come out in the open.

The rift between the two senior-most ministers of the UPA government surfaced on the Lokpal bill issue.

Mukherjee, who was kept away from the government’s discussions with the Anna Hazare group after the joint drafting committee’s job was over, took a swipe at Chidambaram when he was asked about the issue as the government was seen as going nowhere on it. He had then curtly replied: “Ask the home minister.”

As the dissent within the government got exposed, it suggested that Chidambaram and former telecom minister A Raja — who is in jail along with fellow Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi in the case — had jointly determined the price for the 2G spectrum in 2008.

The Opposition parties, sensing the trouble within the government with the expose, went for the kill.

CBI probe

They just not wanted Chidambaram’s removal, but a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into his role as well.

This could not have come at a worse time for the home minister, who is facing a battery of criticism over the continued terror attacks during his reign at the helm in North Block, headquarters of his ministry.

Although on record, the Congress leaders have defended Chidambaram, there was unease among a section of party seniors over the issue.

An All India Congress Committee general secretary said: “The perceived rift between the two (Pranab and Chidambaram) is damaging the image of the party and the government. The prime minister should not be so soft. I think the party high command will take note of it and send a strong message.”