United Progressive Alliance allies on Monday expressed full support to the government over its refusal to agree to a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the 2G spectrum scam, an issue that has paralysed Parliament proceedings for the last 12 working days.
Against the backdrop of some UPA constituents appearing not being averse to the JPC probe, the government on Monday held a luncheon meeting of its allies to devise a common strategy, particularly in view of the all-party meet called by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Tuesday to end the logjam.
After the nearly two-hour meeting attended by UPA constituents Nationalist Congress Party, Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress and National Conference, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee again appealed to the Opposition to give up its demand for a JPC probe.
"On Sunday, I made an appeal to different political parties including (BJP leader) L K Advani and Leader of Opposition (in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj). I am renewing my appeal to the Opposition," Mukherjee told reporters.
He said in the meeting he had 'shared the situation' with the UPA allies but did not elaborate. Agriculture Minister and NCP leader Sharad Pawar said the UPA constituents decided on a 'collective approach' to the issue.
NC leader Farooq Abdullah said, "We will remain united in our stand against the JPC."
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva, whose party had earlier given indications that it was not averse to the JPC, said it backed the government's position of 'no JPC'.
"We have decided to go ahead with the business as scheduled and run the House," Siva said, indicating that the UPA was in no mood to adjourn Parliament sine die despite the government-opposition stand-off which is making it clear that the whole winter session may be washed out.
Pawar added that the UPA would wait for the Opposition's response. The TMC, which had earlier said that it was not opposed to a JPC probe if it was needed to run the House, also backed the government's firm stand on the issue.
