No purpose will be served by JPC, says PM

Government will pay careful attention to five-point agenda to fight corruption set out by Sonia Gandhi, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He stated that all aspects of 2G spectrum allocation are being probed and that no guilty person will be spared, as he talked about 2G spectrum and CWG scams.

PM reiterated the party's stand that no purpose will be served by JPC as multi-agency probe is underway into 2G spectrum allocation. Singh said that PAC has all powers which can be given to JPC and BJP has been falsely propagating that government does not want JPC as it does not want me to appear before it.

On the opposition's allegations, the Prime Minister agreed to come be probed saying, "I am ready to appear before Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on 2G spectrum issue although there is no such precedent. I have nothing to hide."

Drifting to other issues he said, that the government is determined to bring out National Food Security Act.

On rising inflation figures the PM said, "We made all efforts to reduce inflation and will continue these. By March next year inflation is expected to settle at 5.5 per cent," Singh assured.

"We have had tense relations with Pakistan, but we wish them well. We want friendly relations with Pakistan but this can happen only when it ensures that its territory is not used for terror activities against us, PM took stand on the talks with the neighbouring state Pakistan and ill-fated terrorism strike on India in November in 2008.

Talking about internal security, Singh said, "Fight against naxalism cannot be won only through security measures; one aspect of the problem is associated with development.

Clarifying his stand on the number of scams and scandals during his term, the prime minister said, "I have been Prime Minister for six-and-a-half years, I may have committed mistakes but I have tried to serve my country to the best of my ability."

In an unsuals retort he also called for support saying, "I believe that like Caesar's wife, PM should be above suspicion."