Consensus emerged on JPC, claims Opposition

Signals that the government may agree to the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the 2G spectrum scam emerged following the talks between the government and the Opposition over the issue, on Tuesday.

Coming out of the hour-long all-party meeting convened by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Opposition leaders claimed there was “consensus” on the JPC issue and both the sides were keen that Parliament should function.

“The allies of the government too say they have no problems with JPC. We have told the government, and I think there is hope, that first government will take a decision, approve formation of JPC and Parliament will function properly,” Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the meeting.

She, however, said that a formal proposal from the government is yet to come.

Government sources said that as of the moment it cannot be said that the government is open to JPC but if a resolution for the formation of JPC is moved a discussion will suit it.

“The government’s feeling was that the House should run smoothly. When the government is aware that to run the house, the opposition wants JPC, then it is natural we feel that government would agree for JPC,” Ms. Swaraj said.

Mr. Mukherjee, who is also leader of the Lok Sabha, merely said it was a “very good” discussion.

The sources said that Mr. Mukherjee assured the leaders that he would get back after consulting the Prime Minister. An Opposition leader quoted Mr. Mukherjee as saying no price is bigger than what would ensure smooth functioning of the House.

Opposition leaders said there will be another all-party meeting on the eve of the Session beginning February 21.

The entire Winter Session was washed out after Opposition parties paralysed proceedings demanding JPC into the 2G spectrum allocation and the government rejecting it.