RP Singh pawn in the hands of govt: BJP

BJP on Friday accused former CAG official RP Singh, who has questioned estimates of 2G allocation losses, of being a "pawn" in the hands of the government and termed his charges as part of a "sinister conspiracy".

"This public comment by retired CAG officer RP Singh is a very sinister conspiracy. He is a pawn in the hands of Congress and government to defame the CAG," BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters outside Parliament. Giving a new twist to the allocation controversy, former Comptroller and Auditor General official RP Singh had questioned the CAG's estimates of presumptive loss of Rs1.76 lakh crore.

"He kept quiet for the whole one year. He presented the report on 2G before JPC, does not say anything. He appeared before PAC does not say anything," Prasad said. About the allegation that the CAG official meeting PAC Chairman Murli Manohar Joshi at the latter's residence, BJP leader said, "Meeting between the PAC chairman and CAG officer is a routine thing because they report to the PAC."

Attacking the government, Prasad said, "It is part of the pattern by the government. Their ministers have been attacking CAG and now this a fresh one. We completely condemn this. It is unfortunate and regrettable."