The Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the government has nothing to hide or fear on the 2G spectrum allocation issue and firmly rejects the Opposition’s demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the scam.
Addressing a general body meeting of the Congress Parliaemntary Party (CPP) on the last day of the Winter Session of Parliament, she told the Opposition “we cannot sacrifice institutions at the altar of political expediency.”
“It is abundantly clear that the government is determined to get to the root of the matter. It is preposterous to suggest that the government has something to hide or it is shying away from investigation. Let me reiterate in the clearest terms: Our government has nothing to hide, our government has nothing to fear. Our concerns are that we should not undermine the established institutions such as the PAC and the CBI, Nor should we do anything that will denigerate the institution of the Prime Minister. We cannot sacrifice institutions at the altar of political expediency,” she said. She sought to justify the decision not to accept the JPC, saying, “We should ask ourselves what is the issue here?”
She said, “Within two days of the submission of the (CAG) report and even before it was placed in Parliament, the minister concerned (A. Raja) resigned. Once the report was in Parliament, in accordance with the rules, it stood automatically referred to the Public accounts Committee ....Which has already started its work.” She said the problem was being addressed in several ways. “First, there is an examination by the PAC. Second, there is an investigation by the CBI. Third, a retired judge is looking into the administrative and procedural lapses,” she said.
Lauding the Prime Minister’s initiatives on the economic front, Mrs Gandhi said, “In spite of some forces placing formidable obstacles to good governance,” India has weathered the international financial crisis. She complemented Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his “wise leadership”, for remaining calm amidst the storm, and for his unwavering devotion to the progress and prosperity of the nation. “The party stands solidly behind him in his endeavours,” Mrs Gandhi said making a veiled attack on the Opposition’s plan to summon the PM in case the government had yielded to the demand for a JPC. While hailing that the growth rate has been recorded at 8.9 per cent in the first half of the current financial year, she underlined that “even as we take pride in this impressive performance, we do not forget to bring progress and prosperity in the life of the common people, especially the poor and the marginalised.”
Noting that the right to food was at an advanced stage of consideration, she hoped that it will be enshrined in the Food Security Act soon.
She said that most of the UPA schemes are being implemented through state governments and the Centre has devolved “huge funds upon them without any bias or discrimination”.
Mrs Gandhi also referred to the terrorist blast in Varanasi, saying it is a reminder that the forces of terrorism are very much there and active and “our vigil must remain constant”.
Referring to the party’s poll debacle in Bihar, she said the party “did not have much expectations” from Bihar.
“We will have to build the party there from scratch. It is a challenge. Although we are disappointed with the dismal results, there can be no room for despondency or demoralisation. Our party has faced tremendous challenges in the long history of 125 years and yet has never lacked in courage and determination to rebuild itself. We will most certainly do whatever is necessary,” the Congress chief said.
Noting that purchases at minimum support price were not taking place in some parts of the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, she said the Congress workers must intervene there.
She also referred to the destruction of crops in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other states due to heavy rains. “It is our duty to reach out to the affected people and see that they are given adequate relief. It is only by being with the people, by raising our voices on their behalf, by empathising proactively with their problems that their faith in us and in our party will be sustained and strengthened,” she said.