The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday demanded immediate removal of Union textile minister Dayanidhi Maran from the government in the wake of allegations of a “quid pro quo” in awarding spectrum licences to Aircel.
Talking to reporters here, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav, said, “There have been allegations against Maran that his family-owned Sun TV Network was a beneficiary of pay-offs by a Malaysian company which benefited from equity sold by Aircel. But Mr Maran is still continuing.”
The Prime Minister should not waste time in removing him from the government, said Mr Yadav. He further alleged that the kickback received by Sun TV was to the tune of `600 crores. However, Mr Maran has already rejected the charges.
Mr Yadav further slammed police crackdown at Ramlila Grounds on June 5 and said prohibitory orders imposed later in the capital should be lifted immediately.
“I deplore the police action on yoga guru Ramdev and his followers at Ramlila Maidan. No one was involved in any violence there. What happened was unconstitutional and a blot on our democracy” said Mr Yadav.
The government should immediately lift 144 from Delhi and allow people to exercise their democratic rights of protest in a peaceful manner, he said.