New Delhi, July 24: Virtually ready to lift boycott of Defence Minister George Fernandes in parliament, Congress today said the impasse can be ended provided there is a full-fledged debate on Tehelka issue. "We will be able to lift boycott of Fernandes provided there is an opportunity to have a full-fledged debate on Tehelka," party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy told reporters here. He, however, said the party was holding talks with government and Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and "if a formula is worked out, we will consider lifting the boycott".

Asked why the party was making such an offer after boycotting Fernandes in parliament for more than one-and-a-half years, Reddy said the party had made such an offer six months ago.

"Even at the end of the last session, the party had suggested to the government but the ruling party has not responded to it," he said.

"Even today we are not standing on technicalities, but want a debate on Tehelka issue."

Stating the Prime Minister was accountable for Tehelka expose, Reddy said when it took place the party demanded resignation of the government and not Fernandes. He said when Fernandes had resigned, he said he would return to government only after he was cleared by the Tehelka probe panel.

"In our view, he is sabotaging the inquiry," Reddy said.
Bureau Report