Mamata Banerjee rules out difference with UPA on 2G

Railway Minister and key UPA ally Mamata Banerjee today ruled out any difference with the Union government over a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the 2G spectrum allocation, even as she advocated for a discussion on the scam in Parliament.

“I want the 2G spectrum allocation scam should be discussed on the floor of the House. (But) Under no circumstances we are at loggerheads with the government,” she told reporters before leaving for Delhi.

“We are with the UPA. Our support is totally with the Prime Minister. If the government forms JPC we will be happy,” the Trinamool Congress chief said.

“Pranab Mukherjee is the Leader of the House. He has called a meeting this evening. I hope a decision will come out after the meeting," Banerjee said. “Whatever decision the Prime Minister takes, we will support. We are an alliance partner of the government. We have our limitations. The Prime Minister heads the government. Whatever Prime Minister decides we will abide by," she said.

“If government appoints an agency why will we object to it? We will be happy,” she said when asked about JPC.

Asked whether she would ask the Prime Minister to constitute the JPC, Banerjee said "Why should I request him? He is the senior most in the cabinet with vast experience. I have total faith in the Prime Minister.”

To a question on the Opposition stalling Parliament proceedings over the 2G spectrum issue, she said, “our parliament is supreme. It fights for democracy. It protects democracy. It should be allowed to function.”

“There should be discussion between the government and the Opposition. For a long time it has been stalled and (good) message will not go to people if it is stalled. Opposition plays a crucial role in Parliament. There are so many problems to discuss,” she said.