The ongoing CBI probe into the controversial allocation of coal blocks can be extended into the 39 blocks allocated during BJP-led NDA regime, Minster of State in the PMO V Narayansami said.

Speaking to reporters, Narayansami said alleged that all of the 39 coal blocks allotted during the NDA regime lacked required procedure and that the allocations were made in a non-transparent manner.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "There have been demands from various quarters and the coal ministry is examining the possibility of extending the CBI enquiry into all allocations made during the NDA regime.”

BJP has been demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s resignation, saying he is legally responsible for the irregularities in the coal block allocations. The alleged scam came to light after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) estimated that arbitrary allocation of fifty-seven coal blocks to twenty-five private companies cost the exchequer of around Rs. 1.86 lakh crore.

But, Narayansami argued that BJP had forgotten that the letters of recommendations for coal block allotments in many states were written by the chief ministers of states where BJP was in power. He termed the demand for the prime minister’s resignation as 'unreasonable' and ‘unethical.’

He also dismissed the Opposition’s demand for a SIT probe into the alleged coal blocks distribution scam, saying CBI is an independent and efficient agency.