The CPM has demanded cancellation of a GO entrusting the tainted auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) -- facing serious
charges in the Satyam scam -- to decide the royalty for bauxite ore supply in Visakha agency.

The CPM district committee has also demanded a CBI inquiry into the state government's approval of PwC granting royalty to Jindal and Anrak companies much against the expert committee's suggestions. The government had issued GO 222 (dated 13-09-2008) entrusting PwC, the authority to decide upon the royalty.

CPM district secretary Ch Narsinga Rao alleged that though the high-power committee had recommended no royalty to the companies, the government had accepted the PwC recommendations of 50 per cent royalty to Jindal and Anrak firms. "With this move the private companies would benefit to a large extent, while the AP Mineral Development Corporation, the supplier of bauxite ore, would be on the losing side," he affirmed.

The CPM leader alleged that the government has colluded with the companies for commissions. He demanded the immediate cancellation of GO 222 and CBI inquiry into the episode. "Otherwise, we would intensify the anti-bauxite agitation with the help of tribals," he said.