Cong defends its stand on PAC

Congress today justified the objections raised by party members in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) probing the 2G spectrum scam, maintaining that they have raised "legitimate issues" of jurisdiction that have cropped up with the formation of the JPC.

Congress on Friday justified the objections raised by party members in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) probing the 2G spectrum scam, maintaining that they have raised "legitimate issues" of jurisdiction that have cropped up with the formation of the JPC.

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"We cried from rooftops that there will inevitably be a clash of jurisdiction, multiplicity and overlap but we were accused of obduracy.... Now chickens are coming home to roost. The matter has come full circle. The opposition leader, heading the committee, is finding an overlap," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said in reply to a volley of questions on PAC members clashing at a meeting on Friday.

He dismissed the suggestion that by obstructing PAC proceedings, the Congress is stalling the probe into the 2G scam.

"A senior member of the government has resigned and the CBI is on the fastest track. It is absolutely ridiculous to say that," Singhvi said, adding that the members were raising legitimate issues of jurisdiction. He said if there is any problem, then it is for the PAC and JPC to resolve it between them.

Asked whether he supports the party members' actions, he said, "We cannot comment on them. These are issues which can become part of Parliamentary Privilege. If there is any problem, they can approach the Lok Sabha Speaker. Why should we say anything."

Sharp divisions were witnessed on Friday in the PAC, headed by BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, over continuation of its probe into the 2G spectrum scam.

At the meeting, Congress and DMK members questioned the need for the PAC to continue its examination of the matter as a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has already been constituted for the purpose.