2G scam: Cong wants PAC to accept PM's offer; other say no

NEW DELHI: Congress members today made a strong pitch at the Public Accounts Committee ( PAC) for acceptance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer to appear before it in connection with the alleged 2G spectrum scam but non-UPA members opposed it saying rules do not permit this.

At a meeting of the PAC, chaired by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, Congress ministers insisted that the panel take cognizance of the Prime Minister's offer and call him for "consultations" in the matter.

However, non-UPA members of the panel cited rules and procedures of the House Committee which do not permit calling ministers before it.

Yashwant Sinha (BJP) is understood to have quoted Rules of Procedure and Conduct of the Lok Sabha which do not permit asking a minister to appear before it.

N K Singh of JD(U) wondered whether PAC can override rules and procedures and call the Prime Minister to appear before it.

B Mahtab (BJD), Reoti Raman Singh (SP) are also understood to have voiced similar views.

A member of the Committee said the offer of the Prime Minister was political and there was no need for PAC to fall for it.

However, all the members wanted Joshi to clarify the position of PAC before the media and agreed with the formulation that an "appropriate decision would be taken at an appropriate time".

This was the line taken by the PAC Chairman at a media briefing that took place after the meeting.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today wrote to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee offering to appear before it on the 2G spectrum scam.