Ready to face probe over 2G spectrum scandal: Raja

Union Communications Minister A Raja has said he was ready to face any investigation into the alleged scandal in allocation of 2G spectrum. Reacting to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assertion that action would be initiated against the Telecom Minister if he was found guilty in the 2G spectrum scam, Raja said, "It is universal truth that action will be taken against anyone found guilty (of corruption). I am ready for any investigation but such an inquiry should get to the root of the issue." Replying to questions by newsmen on the sidelines of the World Telecommunications Development Conference-2010, which he inaugurated at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre here today, Raja said all 2G spectrum allocations were made in accordance with the rules framed by the NDA government. "We strictly went by those rules and recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. I am being targeted only because I broke the cartel in the telecom sector," he said. He said TRAI recommendations on 2G spectrum allocation were currently being reviewed by the Union Finance Minister and the Prime Minister's Office. Replying to a question, Raja said there was no comparison between 2G and 3G auctions. "2G is like PDS rice while 3G is Basmati rice," he remarked.