Jayanthi tax and fear of CBI probe

Jayanthi tax and fear of CBI probe

FPJ BureauUpdated: Saturday, June 01, 2019, 04:18 AM IST
article-image

New Delhi :  At the heart of the Jayanthi Natarajan revelation is the so-called ‘Jayanthi tax,’ an expression which none other than BJP leader Narendra Modi had first used in a pre-election party rally in Goa to slam the conduct of the then environment minister. The sum and substance of his charge was that projects were not getting green clearance from the ministry until bribes were paid. The BJP government seems to have taken cognisance of the Jayanthi ‘tax’ — without the payment of which no file would move in the ministry – to exert pressure on the Congress on the eve of elections in Delhi.

Immediately after the disclosures, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called for a review of all projects cleared or rejected by the environment ministry in the previous UPA government.

According to BJP leader Subramanyam Swamy, Jayanthi’s allegations could even become the basis for bringing Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi under the scanner, though in all fairness Jaytanthi has not furnished a shred of evidence to buttress her charges against the Congress Vice-President.

According to electronic media sources, during Jayanthi’s tenure as environment minister, three to four Preliminary Enquiries were registered for clearances given to iron ore and mining companies. The main allegation was violation of basic rules and issuing of clearances in a hurry. Though no finger was pointed at the former minister, but she could still be asked to be a part of an investigation. It is this fear that is possibly behind Jayanthi’s disclosures.

Jayanthi has also claimed that she was forced by the Congress to attack the BJP’s then prime ministerial aspirant Narendra Modi in the ‘Snoopgate’ controversy, despite her reluctance to take up matters that were personal.

RECENT STORIES

Chennai: 3 Dead After Roof Of Sekhmet Bar Collapses

Chennai: 3 Dead After Roof Of Sekhmet Bar Collapses

Gujarat High Court Extends Hearing On Arvind Kejriwal's Plea For PM Modi's Education Degree

Gujarat High Court Extends Hearing On Arvind Kejriwal's Plea For PM Modi's Education Degree

Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case: NIA Arrests 1 Key Conspirator

Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case: NIA Arrests 1 Key Conspirator

'Deadly Prank': Delivery Agent Killed After Friend Blows Air Into Rectum With High-Pressure Machine...

'Deadly Prank': Delivery Agent Killed After Friend Blows Air Into Rectum With High-Pressure Machine...

Nagaland State Lottery Result: March 28, 2024, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear...

Nagaland State Lottery Result: March 28, 2024, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear...