New Delhi: Having failed to convince expelled
leader Jaswant Singh to step down from the post of chairperson
of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, BJP on Monday made a public request to him to quit, arguing that the post
belongs to the main opposition.
"Jaswant Singh`s view that he will quit only if the
Speaker asks him to do so is not right. We are a party
democracy. The appointment is made by the Speaker on the
recommendation of a party. Since the PAC chairperson post goes
to the main opposition, it would be better if he steps down,"
BJP Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj said.
PAC members from BJP and its allies had kept away from the
first meeting of the committee, convened by Singh today.
"He had called the meeting (of PAC) today and we
boycotted it," Swaraj said.
The senior leader also confirmed that BJP had earlier
requested Singh to quit but he had refused.
"On August 31, I met Jaswant Singh and requested him
personally that though keeping his seniority in mind the post
of PAC chairman was offered to him, he should step down as now
the situation has changed. He refused. I thought we should
wait as he is still angry. But today I am making a public
request that he should quit," Swaraj said.
When asked what the party strategy would be in case Singh
does not resign and whether BJP and its allies would continue
to boycott PAC proceedings, Swaraj said, "I am making a
request now. The norm is to wait after a request is made. We
will wait and see."
Bureau Report
