After key allies, Congress will also boycott JPC bills on dismissal of jailed CMs, ministers

KC Venugopal (right) with Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Going for a consensus with key opposition parties, Congress has decided to boycott the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on three bills that prescribe automatic dismissal of CMs and ministers who are in jail for 30 days.While it comes on the back of boycott announced by TMC, Samajwadi Party, AAP and Sena UBT, the decision of the lead opposition player implies the participation of remaining INDIA bloc parties like DMK, NCP, Left is also doubtful — raising the possibility of an entire opposition no-show in the crucial panel that will vet the bills including the 130th constitutional amendment that was tabled by Union home minister Amit Shah in the monsoon session of the Parliament.Congress sources said the decision on staying away from the JPC has been taken and a communication will be sent to the govt/Speaker soon.The stance shows that Congress has gone with key allies who decided to boycott early on, even as it was inclined to join the panel arguing that the govt could not be given a free reign in the committee. The concern about opposition unity was high since the four parties went ahead with their decision of boycott. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal had hinted as much when he told TOI that Congress will seek a consensus with the INDIA bloc and take a collective decision.Tabled in Lok Sabha on Aug 30, the bills triggered a bedlam in the House. The Parliament has not been able to announce JPC despite a passage of nearly a month since a decision to refer the three bills to the panel was announced.