Date:06/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/06/stories/2005090602820200.htm

Back Rift most unfortunate, says CPI(M) MP

Pratim Ranjan Bose

Kolkata , Sept. 5

THE rift between the ONGC Chairman, Mr Subir Raha, and the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, has been described by Mr Dipankar Mukherjee, CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP, and a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas, as "most unfortunate."

"ONGC is an excellent company and is doing exceedingly well. Only recently, the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister had appreciated the company's performance in Parliament.

Our greatest fear is that any such controversy may affect the future prospects and operational efficiency of the company.

I hope the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry and the ONGC management will resolve the difference amicably as soon as possible," Mr Mukherjee told Business Line over telephone.

Mr Mukherjee, however, refused to make any specific comment on either Mr Raha's leadership abilities or the issues raised by him.