2G JPC: UPA, Opposition gears for the final fight
The Opposition and the UPA is set for a final showdown over the 2G spectrum scandal at the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The last meeting, to adopt the draft report, has been scheduled following the filling up of two vacancies in the panel.
The Opposition and the UPA is set for a final showdown over the 2G spectrum scandal at the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The last meeting, to adopt the draft report, has been scheduled following the filling up of two vacancies in the panel.
JPC chairman PC Chacko told HT, “We may call the JPC meeting on Monday. This will be the last meeting and I am confident that the panel will adopt its draft report.” the draft had earlier seen a vertical split as the Opposition, then in a majority, refused to accept the report that gave a clean chit to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Chacko didn’t call any more meeting and waited for the two vacancies to be filled up.
EMS Nachiappan (Congress) and Thiruchi Siva (DMK)’s seats fell vacant as the former became a minister and the latter’s term came to an end in July. On Thursday, the UPA managed to get Pradip Bhattacharyya (Congress) and Ashok Ganguly (nominated) elected for the slots.
In the 30-member JPC, the UPA lost its majority following the pull out of the Trinamool and the DMK. But now there is a crack within the Opposition following the JD(U)’s split from the NDA. The DMK too, may not reject the draft outright after the Congress’ support resulted in the victory for Kanimozhi in the biennial election.
Now, the Congress-led UPA has 15 (including 2 BSP, 1 SP MPs). If DMK or JD(U) (2 members) lent their support, the UPA will be able to smoothly adopt the draft.
