New Delhi: Amid clear signals on JPC
formation, the Congress on Monday said government`s chief concern
was to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament and blamed the
Opposition for the prolonged standoff.
"Steps taken by the government prove that the only
entity making attempts to ensure the smooth running of
Parliament is the UPA government," party spokesperson Abhishek
Singhvi told reporters.
"We have repeatedly made attempts to run Parliament, be
it through announcing the offer of a multi disciplinary probe
attached with PAC, Supreme Court monitored CBI investigation
or the Prime Minister`s offer to appear before the PAC," he
said.
Asked why the government was acceding to the request
for JPC into 2G spectrum issue only now when the standoff on
the issue had led to washout of the Winter Session, Singhvi
said, "This question should be addressed to those, who were
obstructing Parliament."
Though the Congress spokesperson termed as
"hypothetical" questions about JPC formation, he was quick to
add: "We are aware of the strong desire of people of the
country that Parliament should function.... government has
since beginning taking efforts in this direction."
Asked whether there was any legal obstacles in both
PAC and JPC probing the same issue, Singhvi, who is also a
senior lawyer, replied in negative.
"I do not see any constitutional prohibition in the
existence of the two," he said.
A senior party leader on the condition of anonymity
said "both do not happen normally but there is no
constitutional bar as such."
PTI
