New Delhi:
Have the cracks within the UPA started showing over the Parliament logjam? Parliament was adjourned for the 18th day in a row on Tuesday as the deadlock between the Government and the Opposition continued.
The Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe now finds support from a key UPA ally - the Trinamool Congress. But Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee reiterated that her party would support the government's decision. "Yes, we want that the truth should come out. So if the government forms the JPC, we'll be very happy to see it. It is a government decision."
The Trinamool feels this would put them in a better position to face the upcoming polls in Bengal and keep their image of zero-tolerance for corruption intact. "There is no reason for us to be scared. If JPC happens, we are ok with it. All we are saying is that it is the decision of the PM and the government. We just don't want to oppose their decision publicly," said Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay.
(Watch: Trinamool won't oppose government publicly)But the Government refuses to give in to the pressure. "Has the Opposition reconsidered on letting Parliament function? If they do, we will also reconsider," Pranab Mukherjee said in Delhi on Tuesday. But inspite of denying a change of stance, Congress's core group called an urgent meeting and held talks with their allies.
NO RIFT IN THE UPA: PAWARNCP chief and key ally of the Congress Sharad Pawar had on Monday dismissed the reports of cracks in the UPA. After meeting Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Sharad Pawar said, "UPA is united, there is no rethink on the stand against JPC."
(Watch)Asked whether some of the UPA allies hold different views than that of the Congress which is opposed to formation of the JPC, he said "it will be a collective decision."
"I don't think any change is there. Opposition is insisting on JPC. Government thinks Public Accounts Committee is sufficient," he said.
(Watch: Public accounts committee questions telecom department)
BJP SAYS CRACKS WITHIN UPA EXPOSEDThe BJP has said the postponement of an emergency meeting called by the Congress to discuss the logjam in Parliament with its allies has exposed the cracks within the UPA. The party will continue to push for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam till the government gives in, its spokesperson Tarun Vijay said.
(Watch)