2G: CBI questions role of NDA telecom ministers

The BJP is now dragged into the 2G spectrum scam net. CBI's preliminary enquiry report indicts the late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan for causing losses to the exchequer and favouring private companies, as telecom minister.

The UPA government's been facing the heat over the 2G scam but it seems the BJP may also find itself in the firing line.

Sources say telecom ministers under the NDA regime are likely to be questioned by the CBI.

Former Telecom Minister Pramod Mahajan allotted additional spectrum beyond 6.2 MHZ and upto 10 MHZ by charging only additional 1 per cent revenue share.

CBI has been investigating six cases in its preliminary enquiry registered on December 16, 2010. Sources say Pramod Mahajan's decision caused revenue loss of Rs 565 crores to Department of Telecom (DoT).

The sources also say the decision was taken to favour certain private companies. Along with every GSM license, 4 4MHZ original spectrum used to come free of cost. Extra 1.8% spectrum was to be increased per 5 lakh subscribers.

CBI sources said Pramod Mahajan violated this norm as he straightaway gave spectrum of 6.2 MHZ spectrum without going through the merits of the operator's case.