CHENNAI: After being shut out of FM auctions on security grounds, Kalanithi Maran-controlled Sun TV Network, which owns the largest number of radio stations in the country, has accused the Union government of favouritism by pointing out that other players including the Anil Ambani Group were cleared despite similar charges in the 2G case.

In a letter to home minister Rajnath Singh, Maran has said, “There are several TV and FM radio companies, including some controlled by large business conglomerates, which among them have pending cases involving 2G spectrum, corporate espionage at ministry of petroleum, corruption involving disproportionate assets and extortions. The security clearances for these companies have not been revoked.”

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Elaborating on the reference to Anil Ambani’s Reliance Broadcast Media, which runs Big TV and Big FM, a separate letter from Sun TV CEO K Shanmugam to Singh provides details of cases where ADAG officials have been booked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the tough stance at a meeting of the BJP parliamentary executive later in the day when he said the party does not need to be apologetic and that the government has been working for welfare of the poor with dedication and honesty.

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Congress leader in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad set out his party's demands, stating that the public clamour for action over the favours done to fallen IPL chief Lalit Modi and the Vyapam recruitment scam could not be ignored. He pointed out that an entire session of Parliament was lost during the UPA tenure over allegations that led to the resignation of then Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury also said UPA ministers had quit over the 2G scam and similar action was needed to run Parliament.

Significantly, leaders of Samajwadi Party, BSP, Biju Janata Dal, Janata Dal (U) and RJD did not echo the threat to stall Parliament though they said the government should not brush aside Lalit Modi and Vyapam issues and should be ready for a thorough discussion.

The lack of convergence in the opposition benches presents an opening to the government if it can convince regional parties to remain at arms length from the Congress's aggressive intent to disrupt Parliament. While Trinamool and AIADMK did not attend the meeting, both parties have so far not shared Congress's bid for an all-out showdown with the government.

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The Congress's numbers in Rajya Sabha and Left's support can still stall Parliament, but government managers are hoping that lack of support will make the main opposition amenable to a middle ground after an initial round of disruptions.

SP leader Ramgopal Yadav, while dwelling on the display of Islamic State flags in Jammu and Kashmir and farmer issues, suggested that the government sort out matters with "those who have differences with it". BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab highlighted South Korean steel giant Posco withdrawing from Odisha to stress that PM Modi's pro-FDI stand was not translating into action. He also said no bill be rushed through Parliament.

