The committee has summoned the three BJP MPs for recording their statements and evidence on August 4. The panel members would view the TV footage the same day.

Regarding the telecasting of the video tape, Deo said, “I have no power to withhold the tape or allow its screening. The TV channel is free to air (the CDs).”

Sources said the Speaker is yet to receive a formal request from the BJP for expanding the panel to include the representatives of four important groups in the Lok Sabha — Shiv Sena, NCP, CPI and BJD. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, BJP deputy leader in the House and a member of the panel, told The Indian Express: “I spoke to the Speaker over the phone this morning to get an appointment to convey my party’s demand, but he was unable to meet me because of indifferent health. I will try to meet him tomorrow.”