PAC members block bid to table 2G scam report

An attempt by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Murli Manohar Joshi to make the committee take up his controversial report on the 2G scam prepared during the tenure of the last committee was blocked by Congress members, even as the NDA along with DMK and the BSP supported its consideration.

Given the divisions in the PAC, it was decided to consult constitutional experts on whether the report, which was recently returned by speaker Meira Kumar, could be taken up for consideration.

The report was returned to Joshi, who was reappointed as chairman in May, which suggested that it was an "unfinished work" as it did not enjoy the support of the entire PAC, whose term ended on 30 April.

The veteran BJP leader today wanted to take up the 2G scam report, during the PAC meeting, which was objected to by Congress member, Jayanthi Natarajan who intervened to raise a point of order, according to sources.

Though Joshi disallowed Natarajan from raising the issue, she along with K Sudhakaran, Sanjay Nirupam, Girija Vyas and K S Rao from her party, were of the opinion that the 2G report should not be taken up by the current PAC as the matter was before a Joint Parliamentary Committee, the sources said.

The Congress is also of the view that Joshi should accept the verdict of majority of PAC members, while the NDA members wanted the report to be circulated for consideration. However, DMK and BSP members were in favour, which, analysts say is a reflection on their current ties with Congress.