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Will A Raja attend Budget Session?

Last updated on: February 9, 2012 12:40 IST
Former telecom minister A Raja

Former telecom minister and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam Member of Parliament A Raja is set to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation court to seek permission to attend the Budget Session of Parliament.

On Wednesday, Raja received a letter from President Pratibha Patil convening the Lok Sabha from March 12, 2012.

Raja is likely to seek permission from the CBI court to render the duties of an elected representative, based on the summons.

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Will A Raja attend Budget Session in Parliament?

Last updated on: February 9, 2012 12:40 IST

If the CBI court allows Raja to attend Parliament, then he can use the court order and ask the Lok Sabha secretariat to provide requisite facilities for him.

It is the duty of the Speaker's Office to provide him security inside Parliament.

If the CBI court does allow Raja to attend the Budget Session, it will be a major embarrassment for the United Progressive Alliance and especially Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has been hauled over the coals for the massive 2G scam.

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Will A Raja attend Budget Session in Parliament?

Last updated on: February 9, 2012 12:40 IST
A file photo of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with DMK supremo Karunanidhi in happier times

Raja was forced to step down as the telecom minister amid allegations that he allotted spectrum at throwaway prices to favourred telecom firms, causing a loss of Rs 1,700 crore to the exchequer. He was subsequently arrested and sent to Tihar Jail.

Raja's presence in the Central Hall will also not be very comfortable for DMK MPs.

Opposition parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India – Marxist are unlikely to allow him to remain silent.

They will try to provoke him into making a statement or instigate him to express his views on criminal culpability clauses.

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Last updated on: February 9, 2012 12:40 IST
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