2G row: Sonia Gandhi says BJP exposed, RP Singh disowns report

New Delhi: A war of words is on between the Congress and the BJP over the CAG report on 2G spectrum loss. A day after lead auditor RP Singh questioned the Rs 1.76 lakh crore presumptive loss figure, accusing PAC Chairman Murli Manohar Joshi, of influencing the 2G report, the accusation was strongly refuted by Joshi. Principal Auditor RP Singh said, "The report isn't mine.. I just signed it."

Then came the political twist. Singh alleged that the PAC chairperson influenced the CAG report. An emboldened government is now on the offensive, sensing the allegations have vindicated the Telecom Minister's zero-loss theory. It also casts the recent disappointing auction in a positive light.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said, "Many members have demanded enquiry into the affairs of CAG over the last two years. They have demanded discussion on the issue." And in a rare move Congress President Sonia Gandhi too reacted, not just once but twice in Parliament. Sonia said, "The Auditor's statement has turned the tables on the BJP. The BJP stands exposed."

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad commented on RP Singh and said, "Why was he silent for so long. He is a pawn in the hands of the Congress." Despite the Left joining hands with the NDA on cornering the government on FDI, it now wants an explanation from the PAC chairman.

CPI leader D Raja said, "It is a very serious allegations against Murli Manohar Joshi. He should explain his position, he should tell the truth." With RP Singh disowning the contentious CAG report, the government now has fresh ammunition to target the Opposition over claims of 2G losses.

Questions will be raised on whether this fresh controversy has more to it than what meets the eye and is this yet another political attempt to malign the CAG?

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