JPC impasse: JD(U) sides with oppn; Chacko to use voting right

Facing opposition fire, JPC chairman PC Chacko made it clear on Friday that he will use his right to vote twice, if the situation arises, Saubhadra Chatterji reports.

Facing opposition fire, JPC chairman PC Chacko made it clear on Friday that he will use his right to vote twice, if the situation arises.

“The rules say that the JPC chairman can first vote as a member and then, in case of a tie, can give his casting vote. I don’t think anyone can stop me from following the Rules,” Chacko told HT on Friday.

Chacko’s vote is crucial as Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)—that has two votes in the JPC—has said that it will vote against the UPA in the JPC.

“After the Opposition’s meeting on Friday, JD(U) has agreed to oppose the draft report,” CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said.

This would make the UPA rely heavily on Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party—that has one vote in the panel—to push the official draft.

SP’s support can ensure a tie, giving Chacko the opportunity to cast his second vote and pass the draft.

SP member of the JPC, Shailendra Kumar, said, “We are maintaining our unique position that former telecom minister A Raja should have been called before the JPC. But we didn’t seek Chacko’s removal because we will not align with the BJP. Also, seeking chairman’s removal tarnishes the JPC’s reputation.”

Rule 262 of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha says, “In the case of an equality of votes on any matter, the Chairman or the person acting as such, shall have a second or casting vote.”