Centre not averse to JPC if preceded by full debate

Congress suggests to Left full-fledged discussion in Parliament

The contours of a possible solution to break the deadlock in Parliament over the 2G spectrum allocation case is emerging after the Congress opened a direct channel with the Left to work on an acceptable solution.

A senior Congress leader and its Working Committee member called on a prominent Left party leader to suggest that there could be a full-fledged discussion on the case in Parliament as soon as it met for the Budget session. Then, depending on the government's response, the Opposition could demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe and it could be considered.

'Face-saving'

The government, sources in the Left parties said here on Friday, is looking for a face-saving mechanism, and that, in considering the Opposition's demand for a JPC, it has exercised the option of a thorough two-day debate in both Houses of Parliament.

The Left leaders, the sources said, have either sought or are in the process of seeking the opinion of allies on the formula that the government floated for consideration. The four Left parties, along with the Telugu Desam Party, All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Biju Janata Dal and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, are working in close coordination in Parliament on issues of concern.

While there is no firm indication whether the government's suggestion will emerge as the final solution after consultation with the Bharatiya Janata Party, sources in the Left indicated that if the Manmohan Singh government wants to have a debate leading to acceptance of the demand for a JPC, it sounded acceptable.

The sources said that once the government comes up with a firm proposal, the Left parties and its allies will take a formal stand.

The Left parties have always emphasised that while there is no going back on the demand for a JPC, Parliament proceedings should not suffer on account of disruptions.

However, the onus of running both the Houses lies with the government.

After the entire winter session last year remained disrupted, Leader of the Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee offered a special session of Parliament to discuss the issue, which was rejected by the BJP and others.

Next week, Mr. Mukherjee will meet the leaders of various parties to find a way out of the logjam that arose after the government rejected the Opposition's demand for a JPC and the latter insisting that it be accepted.