2G scam: BJP seeks Chidambaram, Dayanidhi Maran's resignation

The BJP today rejected home minister P Chidambaram's "self-certified" non-involvement in the 2G spectrum case and maintained that he should resign from the Union Cabinet.

The party also demanded the resignation of textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran over allegations of a quid quo pro in allocating spectrum to Aircel.

The BJP also brushed aside the explanation and defence made by Chidambaram that it was not former telecom minister A Raja, who had told corporate lobbyist Nira Radia of the alleged pay-offs made to him, but RIL group employee KR Raja.

Addressing a news conference here today, BJP national spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said "this is not a case of ignorance or innocence, but a classic case of complicity".

Javadekar also said that "contemporaneous evidence is always stronger and credible than subsequent self-serving denials", and negated Chidambaram's denial on the basis of an apology tendered by RIL Group President V Balasubramanian to him.

He said after initially opposing the allotment of 2G spectrum at 2001-rates, Chidambaram as finance minister had put his stamp of approval on the 2G spectrum allocations made by then telecom minister A Raja.

Chidambaram owed the nation an explanation to the nation on his "sudden change of stand" on the 2G spectrum allocations, he said.

"We stand by our demand for the resignation of Mr P Chidambaram," the BJP leader said.