New Delhi, Aug 06: The issue of PAC report on arms purchases for Kargil operations is expected to rock parliament tomorrow with the Congress today announcing plans to evolve a common course of action along with like minded parties in view of the "unprecedented constitutional stalemate". Party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy told reporters that the "refusal" by the defence ministry in providing the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report to the PAC (Public Accounts Committee) has also resulted in an "unparalleled parliamentary crisis".
Reddy's assertion came hours after the PAC, in an unprecedented step, refused to probe irregularities in the arms purchases due to persistent denial by the defence ministry to provide with CVC findings on these deals.
He said that the PAC report "resoundingly and retrospectively vindicated our position on Defence Minister George Fernandes" who is facing an opposition boycott for the last 18 months on the Tehelka issue.
At a separate press briefing, CPI-M leader Somnath Chatterjee said that it would seek an explanation from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the matter and would press for a discussion under Rule 184 in the Lok Sabha which entails voting.
Stating that the refusal of the defence ministry to give the CVC report to the PAC was a "deliberate affront to parliament". He alleged that this was done to cover up cases of corruption as "after cessation of hostilities, what could be the secrecy".
He replied in the negative when asked whether Opposition would allow Fernandes to intervene in the discussion in Parliament on the issue.
Bureau Report