New Delhi:
The government has finally given in to the Opposition's demand to launch a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam.
Desperate to get Parliament working especially because of the Budget the government conveyed to the Opposition at an all-party meeting called by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in New Delhi today, that it has agreed to the Opposition's demand for a JPC to investigate the 2G spectrum scam and worked out the details to the Opposition's satisfaction.
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal will move the resolution on February 22 after which a discussion is likely to take place. The scope of the inquiry will be decided by the Speaker.
The meeting was called just a day ahead of the crucial Budget Session that begins on Monday. The Speaker urged for an end to the deadlock over JPC and restoration of normalcy in Parliament. During the Winter Session, the government's no to a JPC inquiry into the 2G spectrum scam had led to a complete paralysis of Parliament with less than 10 hours of business being conducted.
"We are looking forward to a fruitful and productive session of Parliament. The government on its part is ready to discuss any issue which may be brought by the Opposition. So I am hopeful this will be a peaceful productive session. Lot of legislative work has to be accomplished...the Budget of the Central government has to be passed and this therefore is truly the most important session of Parliament," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said after the all-party meet. (
Watch)
On it's part, the BJP which had been demanding JPC into all major scams relented to a JPC on the 2G scam only.
Yet, despite the agreement, it's likely to be a stormy Parliament session.
And in the line of fire could be the PM, especially after his defence last week.
During his interaction with television editors on February 16, the Prime Minister said, "We are a coalition government, you can suggest your preferences but have to go back to what the leader of that party wants."
Responding to that, BJP leader LK Advani blogged today that "neither the Vajpayee government, nor any other NDA government in the states has ever allowed coalition dharma to become an alibi or excuse for compromising with integrity or good governance."
The Prime Minister had also said that he is not as big a culprit as made out. Responding to this statement, BJP president Nitin Gadkari today said, "PM said I am not as much a culprit as you think, so I ask 'What percent culprit are you'?"
Interestingly, the JPC which is likely to have 30 members, may have no place for smaller parties like the AIADMK - the arch rival of A Raja's party.