Demand for PM's resignation is outrageous: Chidambaram

The Finance Minister said that the government is ready to debate the coal blocks allocation in both Houses.

On the demand for independent probe into coal block allocations, Chidambaram said that the demand for any inquiry is a bit delayed as the CBI has already started the inquiry.

"If the policy is flaud it is since 1993; why take 2004 as cut off," Chidambaram added.

Chidambaram said, "The blocks allocated prior to 2004 faced difficulties and 25 blocks faced difficulties after 2004, so total 32 blocks have recorded unsatisfactory progress and ministry has cautioned and served show cause notice to them."

Chidambaram said that the decision to cancel the coal blocks allocation will be done only after fair procedure.

Explaining the government's position behind not accepting the demand for cancellation of coal blocks, he said an Inter-Ministerial Group is going into the issue and a date of September 15 has been set for a decision.

He said the Prime Minister's Office has indicated that the government should have a final set of recommendations from IMG as early as possible.

With regard to the BJP stance, he said the Prime Minister has made an "unprecedented offer" that he is willing to debate and discuss the issue in Parliament. The Finance Minister also appealed to the Opposition to return to the House and debate.