PM upset over Anil Ambani’s allegations against Oil Min

CNBC-TV18's Pallavi Ghosh reports on what exactly transpired in the Ministers' meeting that happened in Delhi post the RNRL annual general meeting. Also, see the accompanying video.

Sources say the real worry which is there with the Prime Minister is the question of perception. The government in the Supreme Court (SC) has already made it very clear that this cannot be seen as a battle just between two brothers. The government would not want to interfere and that is what exactly transpired in the meeting yesterday.

The PM's insisted that this matter should be sorted out as soon as possible, without giving out the impression that the government has stepped into the two brothers' feud and is overtly siding with any one. Yesterday, Anil Ambani said the government or some sections of the government are favouring one brother. Of course, he was pointing out to Mukesh Ambani. We are told that the PM insisted that this meeting take place which is why Finance Minister (FM) met both the Oil Minister Murli Deora as well as Law Minister Veerappa Moily. Sources are also telling us that the government is going to stick to its stand of non-interference, while at the same time making it clear to both the brothers that this is not just a matter between the two of them.

Information also coming out is that it is quite possible that some senior minister from the government are expected to meet or speak to Anil Ambani over the next few days to clarify the position or to remove this impression which Ambani gave out yesterday. It is a huge embarrassment and the PM was believed to be extremely upset by it.

Q: Give us a word on whether there has been any discomfort at the specific allegations against the Petroleum Ministry and has any displeasure been expressed at that by the party to Murli Deora?

Ghosh: This time around, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has been very consciously careful about one thing that is its image. I think the government this time is very touchy about this issue which is why our sources are also telling us that the party also conveyed through its channels a displeasures, saying that this whole matter is something which is not doing good for the government as well as for the party's image. Some senior leaders from within the party are believed to talk to Murli Deora also and have cautioned him that he has to give out this impression that he is not siding one. Which is why I am saying that the government is still going to insistently stick to its stand i.e. it is going to be completely non-interfere, yet at the same time talk about people's larger interest in trying to resolve this entire issue.