The Congress-led UPA Government stumped the Opposition and left them divided by forming a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the alleged VVIP chopper scam, which rocked the nation. The BJP, JD(U), BJD, TDP, AGP, Trinamool Congress and CPI opposed the JPC and staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha.

The BJP opposed the probe, saying it would serve no results in the end. It demanded a strong CBI probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The BJP argued that since the JPC does not have power and authority to gain access to Italian investigating agencies, there was no need to set up such a panel into the AgustaWestland chopper deal.

The government wanted to divert the attention and divide the opposition and it succeded in its goal. The CPM took everyone by surprise. During the debate, the party opposed the JPC, but later agreed to be part of it. The Samajwadi Party, BSP and Shiv Sena too supported the JPC.

Earlier, Defence Minister AK Antony termed the scam as a “matter of shame” and vowed not to spare anyone found guilty.