Mallikarjun Kharge meets PAC member, differences unresolved

As for the sub-committee on excesses over voted grants and charged appropriations, it was the first time such a panel had been formed. He felt there was no need for it and therefore, he did not wish to have anything to do with it.

Sources said Kharge invited Mahtab to his room before the meeting Wednesday and informally took up the matter. Nothing came of the deliberations in the absence of a clear understanding.

Mahtab, according to the sources, maintained that the PAC generally had four sub-committees — on Defence, Railways, Direct and Indirect Taxes and Civil Ministries. The reports of these sub-committees were later approved by the full committee. His view was endorsed by members of the BJP, Akali Dal and AIADMK. Kharge had, on the other hand, formed just two sub-panels this year.

Though it does not find any mention in the present episode, it is a report of a sub-committee presided over by Mahtab on Bofors case which has cast its shadow on the matter. He had submitted the report — seeking a CBI inquiry into why action was not taken on nine counts regarding the 1989 CAG report on norms for defence procurements — at the end of April. Kharge is required to circulate it among the members of the main committee.

Being a senior functionary of the Congress, Kharge had different priorities. Another bone of contention is a report submitted by a sub-committee headed by BJP’s Nishikant Dubey on the 80:20 gold scheme.