Rahul was involved in UPA-II policy decisions: Natarajan

January 30, 2015 10:36

The Hindu reports: In the letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Jayanthi Natarajan said she received "specific requests" from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on environmental clearances and she consequently rejected big-ticket projects despite pressure from Cabinet colleagues seeking approval.

The letter also indicated that Rahul was involved in policy decisions at a micro level during the UPA II under Dr Manmohan Singh, something that the Congress has consistently denied.

Rahul's views on Vedanta's proposal to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha were conveyed to her by his office and she took "great care to ensure that the interests of the tribals were protected and rejected environmental clearance to Vedanta" despite "tremendous pressure" from her colleagues in the Cabinet and huge criticism from the industry.

In the case of projects of the Adani group, Natarajan said she was asked by Rahul's office to "liaise" with Gujarat Congressman Deepak Babaria on complaints of NGOs and local fisherfolk about violations.

Read more HERE

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Supreme Court: ED can't arrest accused after...

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said when an accused appears before a court in pursuance of a summons, the agency will have to apply to the court concerned to get his custody.

Mamata's ploy to...: Cong's Adhir on INDIA olive branch

Chowdhury termed Banerjee as an "opportunist politician" who altered her stance after realising the changing political landscape.

11 killed in lightning strikes in Bengal's Malda

The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased, he said.

Swati Maliwal 'assault': FIR registered against Kejriwal's aide

The BJP attacked Kejriwal after he refused to comment on the Maliwal "assault" matter during a press conference in Lucknow. He was flanked by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh.

Rain in Hyderabad spices up IPL playoffs race

Thanks to a rain-washed match against Gujarat Titans, SRH climbs to 15 points in 13 games.