PM should ensure that Maran quits Union Cabinet: Bardhan

BARDHAN
Hyderabad, Jun 13 (PTI) Stating that the continuance
of Indian Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran was "untenable",
Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary A B Bardhan
Monday demanded that the Indian Prime Minister should ensure
that the former was made to quit his post.
"Maran's continuance in the Union Cabinet is no longer
justified. He must resign. The Prime Minister should see to it
that the Minister, facing fresh allegations in the 2G spectrum
scandal, goes. Hope the Prime Minister will take action and
not wait till it is too late," Bardhan told a press conference
at the CPI state headquarters 'Maqdoom Bhavan' here in the
Indian southeastern coast state Andhra Pradesh Monday.
The General Secretary pointed out that as
investigation in the 2G spectrum proceeded, involvement of
more and more ministers was being revealed.
"The probe into the 2G scandal should take into
account the decisions taken during the erstwhile NDA regime as
well since the first-come-first-serve policy was introduced
during that period," he said.
Bardhan also slammed the United Progressive Alliance
(UPA) government for overlooking political parties in drafting
of the Jan Lokpal Bill. "The government doesn't seem to have a
policy. Yes, civil society is alright. But an amorphous civil
society doesn't pass laws. The government should remember that
the Bill has to be passed in Parliament. We don't know about
the discussions in the drafting committee," he said.
Bardhan said he found fault with the UPA government
for suddenly involving political parties in the Bill's
drafting process and seeking their opinion.
"But, all political parties should strongly rebuff the
government. It has sent us an objective-type question paper
seeking answers. Is this the casual way in which you treat
political parties," Bardhan questioned.
The CPI leader demanded that the draft Jan Lokpal Bill
be tabled in the next session of Parliament so that it could
be "discussed, processed and enacted" as law.
"We want the Prime Minister's Office and the judiciary
brought under the Lokpal's purview. We will give reasons for
it in Parliament," Bardhan added