BJP firm on demand on JPC probe into 2G Spectrum scam

Kochi, Jan 31 (PTI) The BJP was firm on its demand fora JPC probe into the 2G Spectrum scam and the Justice (retd)Shivraj Patil Committee report on procedures for allocating 2Glicences has not changed the scenario, leader of theOpposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said here today.

"We are insisting on JPC as issues of governance haveto be discussed. We want JPC to discuss the larger issues. Itis a question mark on Indian polity," she told reporters.

The one-man committee, set up by Union TelecomMinister Kapil Sibal to look into the policies and proceduresfollowed during the distribution of licences in 2001-2009,today submitted its report to the Centre.

NDA leaders would meet in Delhi tomorrow to discussthe issue, she said when asked about the Committee''s report.

"The scenario does not change with submission of thereport. That demand remains."

The BJP leader also refused to comment on the report,saying it has just been submitted to the telecom minister andnot been made public.

When pointed out that Union Home Minister PChidambaram had conceded that the meeting to select P J Thomasas Chief Vigilance Commissioner last year had discussed thePalmolein case against him, she said, "If Chidambaram hasconceded, I am very happy". The CVC has to be impeccableperson.

Swaraj has been insisting that she had put a dissentnote against the appointment of Thomas as CVC at the selectioncommittee meeting.

The controversy over Thomas'' appointment took a newturn last week during a Supreme Court hearing, when theAttorney General told the apex court that the materialrelating to Thomas'' case was not placed before thethree-member Selection Committee, headed by the PrimeMinister.

Taking exception, Swaraj had said the government waslying in the apex court and that she would file an affidavitexplaining her dissent about Thomas.

She refused to comment on allegations of amassing ofwealth disproportionate to known sources of income againstsome family members of former CJI K G Balakrishnan, saying thematter is sub-judice.

The BJP leader also declined comments on KarnatakaChief Minister B S Yeddyurappa''s claim about threat to hislife from "black magic". "I have not seen such a statement,"she said.