Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar’s attempt to break the logjam over the Opposition demand for a joint parliamentary probe (JPC) on the 2G spectrum allocation scam did not yield any result, with both the government and the Opposition sticking to their guns. The Speaker, on conclusion of the meeting, expressed the hope that the Budget Session would be hassle-free.
“The leaders met in a very cordial, friendly and informal atmosphere and have decided to ensure that the next session runs without interruption. They have decided that they will sit down together and find a solution,” said Ms Kumar.
Ms Kumar on Friday met with some non-BJP parties to find a way out of the imbroglio. Among those present were agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav (JDU), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), Nama Nageshwara Rao (TDP), Ajit Singh (RLD), Dara Singh Chauhan (BSP), Basudeb Acharia (CPM), Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) and Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD).
Ms Kumar said that those who couldn’t make it will be called on another day. “Those leaders, who for some reason were not able to come today, I will be finding their convenience and they will be coming for another lunch and we will be sitting down and continuing this process,” she said. The parties which didn’t turn up for the luncheon meeting were the Trinamul Congress, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, Samajwadi Party, RJD and the National Conference.
Mr Acharia of the CPI(M) expressed surprise over the stand of the government. He said, “What is the problem with having a JPC? Why is the government not doing it? The government should come forward with a solution for this.” Mr Gurudas Dasgupta of the CPI, echoing the views of Mr Acharia, called upon Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee to take the lead in breaking the deadlock.
Mr Ajit Singh of the RLD, while favouring the smooth running of the house, said, “But, as the opposition has been demanding, a JPC has to be constituted in the 2G issue. How will all this happen? A way will have to be found out.”