We will block BALCO deal: Jogi

By Javed M. Ansari

NEW DELHI, FEB. 25. The controversy over the Central Government's decision to sell BALCO shows no sign of abating. A day after the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, indicated that the deal would go through, the Chattisgarh Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Jogi, today said his Government would bring in an official resolution in the Assembly to block the deal which, he said, reeked of corruption.

Mr. Jogi alleged that ``according to rumours, an extra constitutional authority in the Prime Minister's house had benefited to the tune of Rs.100 crores.'' The deal was akin to ``robbery in daylight'' and the manner in which the Central Government was trying to push it through was lending credence to such rumours. Mr. Jogi stuck to his guns about the State Government's right to cancel the lease and said the Cabinet had authorised him to act in the matter and now he planned to bring in a resolution in the Assembly session starting on February 27, to get legislative backing .

Describing the deal as a prestige issue with the people of his State, Mr. Jogi said just because it was a new-born Adivasi State it could not be trampled upon.

Mr. Jogi said he had directed the Advocate General and his Law Secretary to look into the legal angle. His Government was well within its right to review the mining right as well as its decision to supply water and extend other facilities. ``If the Centre remains adamant I have been authorised to cancel the mining lease.''

Mr. Jogi said the issue had a direct impact on the Adivasi population and the company's privatisation would lead to unemployment. Feelings were running high and the trade unions had called for a bandh.

Mr. Jogi said his Government would not bow to any threat from the Centre. ``I am prepared for all eventualities, but I will not allow the people of Chattisgarh to be treated like this.''

He sought to buttress his charge about the lack of transparency in the deal, claiming that neither the State Government nor the Chief Minister was consulted. He also criticised the Disinvestment Minister, Mr. Arun Shourie, and the BJP leader, Mr.V.K. Malhotra, for trying to put a Constitutional limit on the State Government's ability to act.

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