The opposition is in no mood to settle for anything less than the home minister’s scalp. Earlier, the winter session of parliament had begun with the opposition demanding Chidambaram’s resignation for his alleged role in 2G scam. And even before that clamour could die down, the opposition alleged conflict of interest and again demanded the home minister’s resignation. The opposition claims that the home minister had directed the withdrawal of three FIRs against a Delhi hotelier who was once the minister’s client.

However, following the uproar in parliament, Delhi lieutenant-governor Tejendra Khanna on Thursday had revoked withdrawal of prosecution against SP Gupta, owner of Sunair Hotel and the five-star Metropolitan Hotel in Delhi. Home secretary RK Singh had also clarified that Chidambaram had nothing to do with withdrawal of FIRs as that decision was taken by a screening committee. But the damage-control exercise could do little to pacify an agitated and relentless opposition.

Update: PC says he's innocent, BJP says he isn't