This refers to the editorial “Mr Sibal’s arithmetic” (January 10). The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG’s) report pegged the “presumptive loss” in the 2G case between Rs 57,000 crore and Rs 1.76 lakh crore depending on the three methodologies used to arrive at the figures. Being a constitutional post, the CAG should have been extremely careful in submitting such a report considering the controversies it could generate, but it preferred high glory. There is no way such a wide variation in “presumptive loss” can be justified. The Opposition and the media have latched on to the highest figure that is based on the 3G spectrum auction and are lambasting the government. Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal is quite right in questioning the CAG’s calculations. Now the CAG is trying to justify its report. Constitutional authorities like CAG must strive to maintain the credibility and dignity of their posts by bringing sobriety in their actions instead of seeking high glory.
T T Krishnan, Mumbai