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Union Minister and Congress's candidate from Kanpur Shriprakash Jaiswal today rubbished charges levelled by BJP that he has allocated 34 coal blocks to private firms free of cost, saying he will quit politics if the charges are proved.
"Forget 34 coal blocks, I have not even allocated 0.34 coal blocks. I challenge Joshi to debate this issue with me on any public platform and prove these allegations," Jaiswal told reporters here.
"I will vacate Kanpur Lok Sabha seat and quit politics if these charges are proved. But Joshi should apologise to the people of Kanpur if the charges are found to be false" he added.
BJP's MP from Chandrapur (Maharashtra) Ahir Hansraj Gangaram had yesterday alleged that Jaiswal has allocated 34 coal blocks to private firms, free of cost from 2009 to 2011.
Ahir had released a list of 34 companies which were allegedly allotted coal blocks, along with the dates of allotment to them at a press conference yesterday.
Jaiswal is seeking re-election to the Lok Sabha from Kanpur and is pitted against BJP nominee Murli Manohar Joshi. Kanpur will go to polls on April 30.
