Crisis Brews in India over Coal Block Allocation

India’s Parliament is stalled over the allocation of coal blocks, with opposition party officials accusing the prime minister of foul play and ruling party officials accusing the opposition of deliberately hindering the process to force a crisis. 

For the past two days, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been blocking proceedings in parliament, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over alleged lack of transparency with regard to the allocation of coal blocks. The opposition is attempting to bring into question the ruling party’s commitment to democracy.

Last week, the results of an official audit showed a lack of transparency in the allocation of coal blocks to private concerns. According to the audit findings, these questionable dealings cost the budget $37 billion since March 2011.

On Wednesday, the House was adjourned for the second straight day as parliamentarians wrangle over the audit findings.

By. Joao Peixe of Oilprice.com