JD(U) supports BJP's decision to walkout of JPC meet

Supporting BJP's decision to walkout of the JPC meeting on 2G scam, JD(U) today said Congress members cannot deny the opposition party's demand to conduct a debate on the list of witnesses in the case.

Talking to reporters here, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav also said that boycotts and debates are part of Parliamentary process including JPC to ensure result-oriented functioning of these bodies.

"Yashwant Sinha told me that he sought a discussion on the list of witnesses in the 2G case. But they (Congress members) refused to give time for this. How can they refuse the demand for a debate? If you don't conduct debates how do you plan to get any result in the 2G case," Yadav said.

BJP members today walked out of the proceedings of a Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G scam, claiming that they were not allowed to raise the issue of finalising the list of witnesses.

On views that opposition parties were not serious about functioning of JPC and thus stalling its proceedings through walkouts, Yadav said, "Activities like debates and shouting are part of Parliamentary process. Closing down the House it also very much a part of this."

Terming JPC as a "mini-Parliament", he said, "JPC is a tool in our hand. It is a mini-Parliament. I have been in Parliament for last 40 years and both Congress and we have blocked its functioning several times to get results. Our decision may not be correct, but these are our options to put forward our views."

Asked when the JPC will be allowed to function properly, Yadav said, "JPC and Parliament are the place where 120 crore people are being represented and these are the tools to ensure result-oriented proceedings there."

Yadav said opposition parties will ensure that JPC gives a justified result.

"They have not allowed debate and that is the reason we have boycotted the JPC. We did it last time also because of the same reason. We want to put all our force to ensure that JPC comes out with a result," he said.

The JD(U) chief was addressing a press conference before leading a delegation of traders to Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum demanding roll back of government's decision for hike in diesel prices and FDI in multi-brand retail.