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The government on Thursday was successful in appointing two members to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 2G telecom scam, despite a storm of protest by the Opposition.
Terming the government move “arbitrary”, the Opposition was up in arms, derailing the Rajya Sabha proceedings.
Despite the furore, the government steamrolled all opposition and passed the motion in the ensuing din.
The two persons appointed include Congress member of Parliament Pradeep Bhattacharya and nominated member Ashok S Ganguly. Their appointment assumes significance as the JPC is slated to present its report, and the strength of the committee is vital when it comes to the vote. There are 10 members from the Rajya Sabha in the 30-member joint panel. The two vacancies arose after the retirement of Tiruchi Siva (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and the resignation of E M S Natchiappan (Congress) on becoming a minister. This was the second attempt by the government in this session, to get the appointments cleared by the House.
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Last week, when it had tried to do so, it was met with loud protests from the Opposition and the government, then on the backfoot, had deferred the matter.
However, on Thursday, it appeared that the treasury benches were determined to push the motion through. The treasury benches were present in full strength on Thursday, with even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being present.
Hence, despite the opposition members storming the well of the house and raising slogans accusing the government of “goondagardi”, the motion was cleared by voice vote.
The House had to be adjourned twice during Zero Hour and then again after lunch. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla, who moved the motion, insisted that the “leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley had been consulted.” He said that the DMK, which used to hold the seat which had been now given to the nominated member Ashok Ganguly, had no issues with this.
Jaitley, though, said such a move would have 'dangerous implications' as it would not have opposition representation. He stressed on the need for proportionate representation.
“The numbers matter, remembering what has happened (in JPC). A Parliamentary Committee always represents the strength of various political parties. The government is taking away both the vacancies. This has never happened. This is against Parliamentary norms and extremely dangerous. The precedent they are setting is extremely bad,” Jaitley said.
Venkaiah Naidu, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said, “It would have serious repercussions.” Adding, “Government is trying to dominate. It would set a bad precedent...Chair cannot conduct voting. Don't make new rulings,” he said.
The JPC, till last session, had been evenly poised at 15 members each. But with the vacancies arising, the tables have turned heavily in favour of the government, with its present strength at 18, while the Opposition has whittled down to 12. Significantly, the chairman P C Chacko can vote only in case of a tie.
