2G scam: JPC gives A Raja the option to given written explanation on charges

New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) looking into the 2G scam has given former telecom minister A Raja the option of giving a written explanation on Attorney General GE Vahanvati's charges in the case. The explanation will be part of the JPC's records. The JPC report on the case is likely to be submitted in the first week of May.

Vahanvati had told the JPC earlier in February 2013 that the controversial press note regarding 2G licences was changed at the last minute by Raja in 2008 with a different pen. He had alleged that Raja forged his signature and issued a press note allowing favoured companies to participate in the 2G auction. Vahanvati was the then Solicitor General.

Raja had written to Lok sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in February saying he was willing to appear before the JPC. Raja's request to Meira Kumar had come after Vahanvati blamed him for various issues before the JPC. He has also been blamed for the 2G scam by other witnesses before the special CBI court.

The A-G had alleged that Raja forged his signature and issued a press note allowing favoured companies to participate in the 2G auction.

DMK members in JPC TR Baalu and T Siva had been pressing Chairman PC Chacko to call Raja as a witness. They had also demanded calling Vahanvati again before the panel.

Chacko is apparently against calling Raja as a witness. He had told members that as an accused has legal protection, he cannot make fresh revelations before any committee. Therefore, there was no point in calling Raja.

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