JPC on 2G scam set to get fresh extension

The JPC on 2G scam is set to get a fresh extension beyond September 6 with the Lok Sabha today unanimously adopting a resolution to this effect.
The term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will be extended till the end of the Winter session as the Rajya Sabha was informed this evening about the resolution adopted by the lower house.
This will be the sixth extension to the JPC set up in March, 2011. The term of the committee was scheduled to end on September 6.
The resolution, moved by panel chief P C Chacko, was adopted unanimously.
The move to extend the term of the 30-member panel came days after sharp differences between the government and the opposition over nomination of two Rajya Sabha members to the JPC.

In a step that will affect the balance in the JPC on 2G scam, two Rajya Sabha members, including one Nominated, were appointed to the panel amid stiff resistance from BJP.

The motion to appoint Congress member P Bhattacharya and Nominated member Ashok S Ganguly to the Committee was adopted by voice vote amid din created by BJP members who argued that the move will affect the balance of the panel.
The motion was moved to fill up two vacancies created in the JPC after the retirement of Opposition DMK member Tiruchi Siva and resignation of E M S Natchiappan (Congress) who became a Minister in July.

The entry of Ganguly, who is perceived to be close to Congress and comes in place of opposition DMK member Siva, will tilt the balance in the panel and will be crucial in the event of voting.