Prakash Karat reiterates demand for scrapping Devas-Antrix deal

The CPI(M) today made a fresh demand for scrapping the S-band spectrum deal between Bangalore-based Devas Multimedia Private Limited and ISRO's commercial arm, Antrix Corporation.

"The agreement was signed in 2005 and the prime minister's office (PMO) was very well aware of the details. However, it has been keeping silent," CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat told reporters here.

The CPI(M) was not satisfied with placing the Space Commission's proposal to annul the deal before the Cabinet Committee on security, he said.

Devas is a firm with investments from the US and Germany and "when such is the matter, how can Antrix of Indian Space Research Organisation sign such a deal?" he asked.

"The prime minister should first answer as to how it happened, that too under the nose of PMO," Karat said.

Replying to a question about ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan offering to quit on the issue, Karat said, "We are not against ISRO...it was Antrix which flouted the rules".