The BJP on Wednesday claimed that there was no contradiction between its demand for JPC probe into 2G spectrum allocation scam and its senior leader M.M. Joshi, who is heading the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The PAC is also probing alleged financial irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation. The party infact asserted that all its leaders, including Dr Joshi, are favouring a JPC probe. The party said Dr Joshi as PAC chairman was performing his constitutional duty and reiterated its demand for a JPC probe. Sources however said the party has been put in an awkward situation by Dr Joshi’s activism to probe the 2G spectrum case.
A section of party leaders, it was learnt, has asked BJP top brass that Dr Joshi’s tenure (as PAC chairman) should not be extended further. A PAC chairman holds the post for one year.
The party, sources disclosed, has asked its spokespersons that they should insist on party’s JPC demand and refrain from giving clarifications on Dr Joshi’ persistence on probing the 2G issue through PAC. Speaking on the issue, party’s national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said Dr Joshi’s proactive approach as PAC chairman in 2-G spectrum scam cannot be called “party indiscipline”. “It is his professional duty, he is abiding it. And we are abiding by the party stand,” he added.
On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj had contradicted Dr Joshi’s contention of PAC having no limitation.