In what could become a huge embarrassment for the BJP, CBI investigations into the “Coalgate” scam have indicated major irregularities in coal block allotments in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
The bulk of the 155-odd coal blocks were allocated between 2006 and 2009 on the recommendation of the state governments.
Chhattisgarh has been ruled by a BJP government since 2003 while Jharkhand has seen political instability in the past few years, though the BJP has been in power there in phases. Both states are rich in coal and minerals.
CBI sources said they had recovered incriminating documents from the coal ministry. The CBI is probing irregularities in allotment of coal blocks that caused a huge loss to the exchequer.
The documents, sources said, clearly show that members of the screening committee were under great pressure from both the Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand governments to allot coal mines to particular companies.