Govt to probe green projects okayed under UPA regime

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 30

The BJP-led government today termed as “serious”the issues raised by former Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan and promised a probe into some big-ticket green projects approved under the UPA regime.

The BJP called Natarajan’s allegations against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi a vindication of its charges of “crony capitalism” against the UPA government in the run-up to the General Election.

Leading the charge against the Congress, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley blamed it for stalling development and progress of the country.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar termed his Natarajan’s charge of specific requests on green clearances a “serious issue”. He said he would review the files of mega projects where allegations of extraneous influence had been mentioned by Natarajan.

“The revelations made by Jayanthi Natarajan in her letter to Sonia Gandhi, which have become public today, are a matter of great concern. It is a serious issue. As the Environment Minister, it is my duty to review those specific files where extraneous influence has been alleged as per the letter. I will definitely review those files and look for the facts,” Javadekar said.

BJP spokespersons gleefully termed Natarajan’s revelations as “Jayanthi bomb”, but they shot down speculations that the party had anything to do with resignation or today’s sudden developments. However, the buzz within the party seemed to indicate otherwise. Sources say Natarajan was in touch with party president Amit Shah during the winter session and there were discussions to bring her on board.

Though the party is keen to build up base in Tamil Nadu, sources say top leaders were not too keen on inducting her, primarily due to apprehensions that some of her decisions as the Environment Minister could be scrutinised by the CBI.

In his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly referred to “Jayanthi tax” being charged for clearing environmental projects.

“Being the in charge of the Environment Ministry, she was aware of all happenings, even though she may claim no direct responsibility. It may prove counter-productive to absolve her. Wait and watch ...” a BJP leader said in response to her political future with the party.

Taking on the Congress, Jaitley said: “The PM (Manmohan Singh) and the UPA government were silent spectators while environment licences were being granted on instructions of the party. Permissions were decided by whims of the party leaders over legal requirements, this is crony capitalism.”