Continuing his tirade against the price increase of domestically produced natural gas, senior CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said a Joint Secretary in the Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry was transferred to please Reliance Industries.
Accusing the Centre of engaging in match fixing with Reliance, he said the price increase is an important issue for the Left parties. Dasgupta said the main official handling the exploration section was unceremoniously removed from the position by the Government.
Dasgupta said he wrote to the Prime Minister demanding his intervention in the issue.
“The Congress is trying to appease Reliance. Elections are nearing,” he told reporters here adding that the decision to increase gas price was the biggest scam under the UPA-II.
A book written by Dasgupta on the issue was released by CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury. Dasgupta said the Petroleum Ministry under M. Veerappa Moily was hand in glove with RIL.
“The price that the Petroleum Ministry had suggested was in fact near the price RIL had demanded.”
Moily rebuttal
Dismissing the allegations as “void of any truth”, Moily on his part maintained that “his conscience is clear. Decisions are taken with a view to increase output in the country.”
Shifting of desk of officials within a Ministry is a routine affair, to make sure officials are not overburdened, he said. Besides, the Joint Secretary concerned continues to be in charge of exploration.