Why delay in forming new PAC? BJP

New Delhi, May 16:

today sought to know from the government and the Lok Sabha Speaker why the formation of the new team of

had not been completed and its chairperson chosen well past the deadline of April 30.

Asked if he will continue as Chairperson of PAC, BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said the question that needs to be asked is why there has been a delay in constituting the new PAC.

"The last PAC completed its term on April 30. The new PAC should have been formed by now. Why has there been a delay"? Joshi said. He said it is the duty of the Speaker of Lok Sabha to announce the name of chairperson of PAC.

Sources said while the Lok Sabha members of PAC had been finalised by the respective political parties, the Rajya Sabha cleared the names only yesterday. Speaker Meira Kumar may announce the names soon.

BJP sources said the party has asked him to continue as PAC chairperson and this has been conveyed to the Speaker. As per convention, the PAC Chairperson is from the principal opposition.

BJP has renominated its members in the last PAC while Congress has made some changes. The new PAC is likely to have interesting sessions ahead with the new CAG report indicting ISRO Chairperson Madhavan Nair on Antrix-Dewas deal.

The auditor has also described the deal as one aimed at benefitting private players.

PTI