2G scam: Trinamool will go with Govt. decision on JPC, says Mukherjee

NEW DELHI - Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday dismissed all reports of a crack in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre over the issue of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam, saying that the Trinamool Congress would go with the government’s decision on the issue.

“Trinamool will go with government decision on JPC,” said Mukherjee after his meeting with Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee had earlier on Tuesday ruled out any differences with the UPA Government over a JPC to probe the 2G spectrum scam, even as she maintained that there should be a discussion in the Parliament over the issue.

Banerjee called for the formation of the parliamentary panel to probe into the telecom scam, adding that discussions on the matter in the Parliament were necessary.

“We are with the UPA Government and our support will be totally with the Prime Minster and the government. No question about it that we will topple the government, or we will withdraw the support. We want that truth should come out and that’s why if the government forms the JPC, it is a government decision. We will be very happy to see it,” Banerjee told reporters.

Mamata Banerjee had earlier on December 3 said she had ‘total faith in the Prime Minister’ and indicated her willingness to abide by his decision.

Meanwhile, the deadlock in Parliament over the 2G scam continued for the 19th straight day on Wednesday, with the Opposition remaining adamant on their demand for a JPC probe.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today raided the residences of former Telecom Minister A Raja in Delhi, along with his homes in Tamil Nadu, in connection with the scam. But an unrelenting Opposition said that wasn’t enough and continued to insist for a JPC probe.

A Raja was forced to resign last month under considerable pressure from the Congress, which continues to be attacked in Parliament by the Opposition on corruption charges.

The 2G spectrum allocation has reportedly caused an alleged loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crores to the Government, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has stated in a report. (ANI)