Govt may finally agree to JPC in 2G scam

Signals that Government may agree to formation of a JPC to probe the 2G spectrum scam emerged today after talks between government and the opposition to break the stalemate in Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.

Coming out of the hour-long all-party meeting convened by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, opposition leaders claimed there was "consensus" on the JPC issue and both the sides were keen that Parliament should function.

"The allies of the government too say they have no problems with JPC. We have told the government, and I think there is hope, that first government will take a decision, approve formation of JPC and Parliament will function properly," Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the meeting.

She, however, said that a formal proposal from the government is yet to come.

Government sources said that as of the moment it cannot be said that the government is open to JPC but if a resolution for formation of JPC is moved a discussion will suit it.

"The government's feeling was that the House should run smoothly. When the government is aware that to run the house, the opposition wants JPC, then it is natural we feel that government would agree for JPC," Swaraj said.

Mukherjee, who is also leader of the Lok Sabha, merely said it was a "very good" discussion.

The sources said that Mukherjee assured the leaders that he would get back after consulting the Prime Minister. An opposition leader quoted Mukherjee as saying no price is bigger than what would ensure smooth functioning of the House.

Opposition leaders said there will be another all-party meeting on the eve of the Session beginning February 21.

The entire Winter Session was washed out after opposition parties paralysed proceedings demanding JPC into the 2G spectrum allocation and the government rejecting it.