Logjam over 2G scam: No divide in UPA on Joint Parliamentary Committee, says Sharad Pawar

New Delhi: An emergency meeting called by the Congress to discuss the logjam in Parliament with its allies got called off a short while before it was to start on Monday night.

The meeting was called after Parliament was adjourned for the 17th consecutive day over the Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam.

This came amid reports that the UPA is divided on the issue with some allies like Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress reportedly expressing willingness for a JPC.

But NCP chief and key ally of the Congress Sharad Pawar has dismissed any such divide 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)

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement

To a question whether the winter session was being adjourned sine die ahead of its scheduled conclusion on December 13, he said no such decision has been taken.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal also insisted that the government is under no pressure at all to call a JPC.

Advertisement

"We are under no pressure from anyone. But then we keep on discussing things. It is a dynamic process. Meetings do take place from time to time," Bansal, who has made a strong pitch against JPC, said.(Watch)

Earlier on Monday, at the AICC briefing, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi virtually challenged the Opposition to bring a no confidence against the government on the issue.

Advertisement

"If that is so, then there is only 30-second test. Please do not be misled. The proof of the pudding... When the challenge was given (last time), it led to a sheepish dismissal," he said when asked about Opposition claims that the government was in minority with support of 259 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha on the issue.