BJP cut up with Govt putting a nominated member in JPC on 2G

Miffed at government putting a nominated member in the JPC on 2G spectrum scam, BJP is likely to write to Rajya Sabha Chairperson Hamid Ansari asking him whether the proportional representation rule will be followed in future committees or the ruling party will have its say.
The Parliamentary Standing Committees, Public Accounts Committee and bodies like the Joint Parliamentary Committee are "miniature Parliaments" and follow the principle of proportional representation where parties are represented as per their strength in each House, BJP leaders contended.
They alleged that the government moved a motion to appoint Ashok S Ganguly, a nominated member, to the JPC for a vacancy created by DMK member T Siva completing his Rajya Sabha tenure. This should have either gone to the AIADMK or the TMC but the government managed to get Ganguly's name passed by a voice vote in the din in the Upper House.

"The winner cannot take all. Ever since the inception of Parliament the parties are represented on committees in proportional representation," a BJP leader said.
This principle is also judicially recognised.
The main opposition feels the Chair should reconsider the appointment of Ganguly, and a debate be held in the House on whether the winner takes all. It is likely to demand a detailed ruling from the Chair on this issue and consider withdrawal of the order.

BJP is of the view that since JPC is discussing a sensitive issue it is important that proportional representation is followed as otherwise the government will use its majority to overrule the opposition in the panel.

With Ganguly's appointment the government has, in a way, ensured a majority of one for itself in the JPC.
"The 2G spectrum allocation was rigged by the government. Rigging the composition of the JPC will only enable the government to rig the JPC," the senior leader said.
Casual vacancies as the one caused by Siva's retirement has to be filled through proportional representation, the main opposition insists.
Filling such a vacancy by a voice vote will mean the winner with 51 per cent (the ruling party or coalition) majority takes all, the BJP said.