BJP demands CBI probe into BSNL tender

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Tuesday demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore BSNL tender for GSM connections.

"The nation has a right to know why the BSNL approved a much higher rate of US $ 107 for a GSM connection in a tender amounting to Rs 20,000 crore," BJP spokesman Prakash Javedekar said.

He said the rate of US $ 69 was offered for a similar connection recently.

"The Prime Minister should immediately order a CBI probe into this and divest the concerned Minister of his portfolio," Javedekar said.

Claiming the fingers were raised in this regard by UPA Ministers too, he said Telecom Minister A Raja had "ordered a review of the tender on the ground that the order will result in over payment of Rs 10,000 crore."

"Even former Minister Dayanidhi Maran had accused an NRI businessman and some vested interests of trying to stall BSNL's growth," the BJP spokesman said.

"Both these allegations made by the present and former Telecom Ministers are serious and mandate a CBI probe to unearth the truth behind what is emerging to be a scandal of Rs 10,000 crore," he said.