2G scam: Sonia defends PM over sleaze calls

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The leader of ruling Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, on Wednesday called opposition parties' attacks on the Prime Minister over an alleged corruption scam "shameful", the strongest backing yet for Manmohan Singh.

Gandhi, who is considered the most powerful politician in India and seen taking all key government decision, said the Congress party always cracked down on corruption when it was discovered. Gandhi's comments is seen putting to rest any speculation of Singh having to resign.

Singh has been called to defend himself with the Supreme Court over his alleged failure to swiftly act on a complaint against his now-sacked Telecommunications Minister A. Raja. Parliament has also remained shut for the past two weeks over calls by the opposition for a joint parliamenty committee (JPC) investigation into the scandal.

Earlier, the Supreme Court postponed a ruling on Manmohan Singh's handling of the 2G scandal that has undermined confidence in the administration and paralysed parliament.

Singh is not on trial but has faced allegations that he dragged his feet in ordering an investigation in the sale of telecom licenses at low prices that has led to the resignation of Raja.