The Hindu : Cong. demands Sinha's resignation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Front Page

Front Page

Cong. demands Sinha's resignation

By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi May 13. The Union Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha, is in the midst of yet another controversy with the Opposition targeting him for alleged links with the Flex Industries chairman, Ashok Chaturvedi, who was arrested by the CBI for allegedly bribing the Excise Commissioner, Someswar Mishra.

The Congress demanded Mr. Sinha's resignation both in Parliament and outside. The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha during zero hour by the Congress leader, Pawan Bansal. Demanding Mr. Sinha's resignation for keeping the House "in the dark" about his "links" with Mr. Chatuverdi, the Congress saw a "pattern" in the Minister's decision to ease out Kailash Sethi of Excise Intelligence.

Mr. Bansal said Mr. Sinha's conduct cast a "long shadow of doubt" over whether the Government would prosecute Mr. Chaturvedi or not.

Outside the House, the party spokesperson, Jaipal Reddy, echoed much the same demand. He wanted to know why Parliament was kept in the dark.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pramod Mahajan, assured the Lok Sabha that the investigation against Mr. Chaturvedi would be taken to its logical conclusion. He would also request Mr. Sinha to make a comprehensive statement on May 15.

In the Rajya Sabha, the issue was raised by the senior Congress leader, Arjun Singh, who referred to a report in an English daily, which gave details of election material despatched through the Railways for Mr. Sinha's campaign. The material was allegedly booked by Mr. Chaturvedi.

Mr. Singh said that while he did not want to raise an accusatory finger against anyone, he wondered how one could expect the Finance Ministry to hold an impartial inquiry in the wake of the report.

The Congress leader demanded a statement from Mr. Sinha with the CPI(M) member, Nilotpal Basu, making a similar demand.

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, O. Rajagopal, said that Mr. Sinha would make a statement on May 15.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

Basic structure of Constitution will not be changed: PM

Modi's promise to minorities

India cannot brush aside global concerns: Sorabjee

Cong. demands Sinha's resignation

Will Shourie get Finance?

Breakthrough in arms talks

3 injured in BSF firing

Blasts near mosque

Scare at Pentagon