September 17, 2026 08:16 pm (IST)
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Ex-CAG Vinod Rai criticises Manmohan Singh
New Delhi, Sept 11 (IBNS): Former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Vinod Rai has criticised Manmohan Singh and alleged that the former Prime Minister was aware of the controversial decisions made around the allocation of coal blocks and 2G spectrums.
"In KG basin, the PM’s remarks about Reliance in a conversation do not nail him directly, but in 2G and coal there is no way he can shirk responsibility," Rai told in an interview to the Outlook magazine.
"In 2G all the letters written by A Raja were to him and he was replying to those letters. I got no reply to any letter I wrote to him," he told the magazine.
Rai said: "On one occasion when I called on him, the PM said I hope you don’t expect a reply from me, whereas he was replying to Raja twice a day. So how can he be not held responsible for the onus of that decision? The two template responses of PM produced in court clearly lay out that he knew what Raja was proposing to do."
Speaking on the former PM's psychology, the ex-CAG said: "You cannot have the nation being subjugated to the state; and the state being a coalition of political parties. The belief was that good politics makes good economics too. But does good politics mean just staying in power? Integrity is not just financial; it is intellectual integrity; it is professional integrity. You have an oath of allegiance to the constitution and that is important."
Replying over his phone tapping, Rai said: "100 per cent. Of course, it was being tapped. I directly asked the director intelligence whether you have got all my numbers. He replied, “I have one of your mobile numbers. Do you have any other number?” I told him I have another number which I will give to you."
Asked if he believed he rocked the UPA government, Rai said: “Yes, but that is okay. I am asking you a direct question – if the figure of Rs. 176,000 crore had not been there how many of you would have taken note of the report?"
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