NEW DELHI : In an effort to pacify the Opposition especially the BJP, who is demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement on the issue of alleged coal scams files going missing, the government today said in Rajya Sabha that he may intervene into the matter “if required”.
The House was briefly adjourned on alleged coal scam files missing issue when there was a verbal spat between Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V Narayanasamy and AIADMK member V Maitreyan. They were supported by treasuary benches and the BJP members respectively.
Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said the Opposition was not satisfied with the statement of Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal and the Prime Minister, who was present in the House, should make a statement and clarify the matter.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla said the Coal Minister has already given a statement and clarification and the government was ready for remaining discussion on the issue.
He said if required, the Prime Minister may intervene.
Earlier, when the House met for the day, BJP member Ravi Shankar Prasad and Mr Maitreyan raised the issue with the latter saying that he had given notice for suspension of the Question Hour.
Mr Prasad said the Prime Minister was present in the House and he should make a statement assuring them that all the files related to alleged coal scam were safe and the government would cooperate with CBI in the probe.
When Mr Shukla stood to speak, Mr Maitreyan also raised the issue of files.
Mr Narayanasamy inteferred which led to a heated argument between Mr Maitreyan and the Minister.
Chairman Hamid Ansari tried to pacify the members.
LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, NCP leader D P Tripathi and some other members raised the killing of renowned rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Maharashtra and demanded that the House express condolence on the incident.
The ruckus had forced the Chairman to adjourn the House for 15 minutes till 1121 hrs.
When the House reassembled, it took up the Question Hour. (AGENCIES)
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