No need for JPC probe into 2G scam: Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI - Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday ruled out the opposition demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam.

Mukherjee, who held an all-party meet here today with leaders of main political parties to end the stalemate in the Parliament over the issue, after the meeting stated that there is no need for JPC to look into the matter.

“The leaders of the opposition, they have expressed their views. They want a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) but I expressed to them our difficulty and finally I told them we shall have to discuss among ourselves and after discussing I will communicate to them by tomorrow,” he said, while addressing the media persons.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said that no JPC would be formed, as there are so many committees to look into various matters and that there is no further need of forming another probe committee.

“The political parties were called by Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to end the deadlock, which is prevailing in Parliament and the opposition party of course continued with their stance that a JPC should be formed to look into these issues and the government has stated that already on various issues, either the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), there is a matter going on and also there is a Shunglu Committee on the CWG issues. So, there is no need for a JPC,” he said.

“The views of all the opposition leaders would be conveyed to the Prime Minister for further discussion on Thursday. Other issues can be discussed then,” he added.

Former Telecom Minister A. Raja today defended himself against the charges laid down by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which holds him responsible on many fronts for violating guidelines, indulging in favouritism and costing the government Rs. 1.76 lakh crores by mishandling the allocation of 2G spectrum in 2008.

Raja was forced to resign on Sunday night under considerable pressure from the Congress, which has been attacked in Parliament by a united Opposition for corruption. (ANI)