Want to step down as head of EGoM on telecom, Sharad Pawar writes to PM

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking to step down as head of the Empowered Group of Ministers on Telecom, citing the 2G controversies as the reason. Pranab Mukherjee had originally headed the group of ministers before he stepped down as Finance Minister to run in the Presidential race.

The EGoM has been constituted to discuss about the 2G auction and the pricing of spectrum among other details. In February 2012, the Supreme Court cancelled 122 2G telecom licences issued during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja, and asked the government to complete spectrum auction by August 31.

Here is the entire text of the letter to the Prime Minister.

I am thankful to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for giving me the responsibility of heading the Empowered Group of Ministers on vacation of spectrum and Auction of 3G Spectrum, and to look into the grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service areas.

However, attempts have been made in the past to unnecessary drag me in the controversy surrounding the allocation of 2G spectrum. These allegations were false and ill-motivated, which I strongly refuted. Neither in the personal capacity nor in the official, I was connected with any of the decision making process in this sector.

At this juncture, I believe that my association in the decision making process as the Chairman of the EGOM, may further motivate the vested elements to try to drag me in the controversy. As such, I thought it will be appropriate for me to recuse myself from the position of the Chairman of the EGOM on this subject.

I had communicated the same to the Prime Minister who in turn has agreed to relieve me from the responsibility of the Chairman of EGOM on vacation of spectrum and Auction of 3G Spectrum, and to look into the grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service areas.

Thanking you,

Sharad Pawar