A Raja took oath yesterday as Cabinet Minister in the new government set-up, retaining the IT & Communications Ministry which he held for two years in the previous tenure of UPA government as well.

While he is expected to take charge next week, the Minister quoted that auctioning of 3G is on top of his priority list. He also expressed hope that the country would witness further tariff reduction wherein local calls could be priced as low as 10 paise per minute. 

The Minister’s last tenure was marked with allegations of misdeed. Political parties including CPM, BJP and AIADMK had asked for his removal over his decision to grant spectrum on first-come-first-served basis and not opting for auctioning. The estimated loss to exchequer was Rs 60,000.

While earlier reports suggested that the Congress was not keen on retaining him the same Ministry, the coalition politics and strong support from DMK leader, Karunanidhi ultimately paved way for A Raja.