Stung by BJP's demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the wake of the CAG report on coal block allocations, Congress as also the government charged the auditor with not working within the mandate of the Constitution.
"CAG has no authority or right to comment on the policy of the government but unfortunately it has questioned its authority, which is totally unwarranted and against the mandate given to them", Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy told reporters in Chennai.
In Delhi, Congress spokesman Manish Tewari was equally caustic. "The CAG has the habit of adding zeros and he should desist from it," Tewari said adding the auditor should draw appropriate lessons from the Supreme Court "failing" to endorse its presumptive loss on the 2G spectrum allocation.
In Bangalore, Power Minister M Veerappa Moily said it was "not fair" to question the integrity of the Prime Minister based on the CAG report.
"The CAG report is based on estimates and distant from reality," he said.
But, opposition kept up pressure with the BJP attacking the government for pointing fingers at the CAG.
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BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar dubbed the criticism of the auditor as a "breach of privilege" and threatened that his party would take "appropriate steps" on Tuesday when Parliament meets.
Left parties demanded those responsible for the "huge" losses to public exchequer be brought to book and steps taken to retrieve the losses. (more)