CPM seeks JPC probe into sale of PSUs by NDA

‘‘While the JPC should go into the gamut of sale of all the PSUs so far, the CBI or CVC should inquire into the underpriced sale of the two Centaur hotels in Mumbai,’’ said CPI(M) leader Nilotpal Basu.

Party’s RS MP Dipankar Mukherjee even shot off a letter to PM Manmohan Singh citing ‘‘further disturbing reports’’ on resale of Juhu Centaur. ‘‘It is quite clear that the process of selling off public assets at throw away price and reselling the same at a premium was institutionalised through the sale of Centaur Airport and Juhu hotel,’’ the letter said.

And the BJP and CPI(M) slugged it out in the Rajya Sabha. Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat assured the House that a debate will be held on the issue. But as Mukherjee raised the issue without permission from the chair, BJP members trooped into the well, protesting. This lead to adjournment of the House till lunch.

Later, Shekhawat clarified that Mukherjee had observed procedure and was permitted to speak yesterday. He added that as he too was keen to know government’s response to the documents, he’d advised him not to raise the issue today.

In the Lok Sabha, CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia alleged that Juhu Centaur was sold for a mere Rs 153 crore and that former Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie was present at the meeting between the buyer and bankers.