Govt asks Anna to wait for outcome of parl debate

Lok Sabha to begin discussion on Lokpal Bill tomorrow

PTI | December 26, 2011



On the eve of Anna Hazare's fast against "weak" Lokpal Bill, government on Monday asked him to wait for the outcome of parliament's debate on the legislation on Tuesday before launching his agitation.

Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Rajiv Shukla said everyone should leave it to parliament to decide on the Lokpal as it is in its domain now.

"The government has already piloted the Bill in Lok Sabha. It is a very strong and effective Bill. So, I think we will go by the decision of parliament. Everybody will be deliberating upon that," he said in the national capital.

Shukla said parliament will decide on the fate of the Lokpal Bill.

"I would only request him (Hazare) to wait for the outcome of parliament," he said when asked whether he thought Hazare should have more patience on the issue.

Hazare will launch a 3-day fast tomorrow in Mumbai in protest against the "weak" Lokpal Bill introduced by Government in Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is expected to debate the crucial legislation tomorrow.

On Hazare suffering from viral infection, Shukla said: "I will always wish him the best health. At the same time, I think he should wait for the outcome of parliament and then only he should go ahead."

Meanwhile, Congress sought to know why BJP jumps to Hazare's defence whenever someone alleges that the anti-corruption crusader has links with RSS.

"Whenever it is asked whether Anna Hazare shares same views as BJP and RSS, instead of Team Anna replying to the question we have the BJP and RSS clarifying that Hazare has no link with them. I am surprised with such kind of equation shared between them," Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi said.

The Lok Sabha will tomorrow begin discussion on the much talked about Lokpal Bill, even as Anna Hazare begins his three-day fast at the same time in Mumbai for a "strong" Lokpal.

The House will witness a day-long combined discussion on the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 and the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to give the ombudsman a Constitutional status.

The Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosures Bill, 2010 (popularly known as Whistle-blowers' bill) will also be discussed along with the two bills.

Congress has already issued a three-line whip to its members to remain present in the Lok Sabha during the debate.

It has also requested its allies in the UPA to issue similar whips.

The Lokpal Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

The Bill had faced objections from various political parties including the BJP at the stage of introduction last week, saying 50 per cent quota for minorities in the Lokpal bench and the Search Committee was "unconstitutional".

Several parties had slammed the measure claiming that the Bill made it obligatory upon states to establish Lokayuktas and it was an infringement on the federal structure of the country.

Some others had criticised the move to put the Prime Minister under the ambit of the anti-corruption watchdog.

Hazare has announced that he will begin his three-day fast at Mumbai from tomorrow to protest a "weak" Lokpal Bill.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi had declared that she will fight for the Lokpal Bill.

She had recently told party MPs that to tackle the issue of corruption, three bills with major implications are to be passed soon ?- those relating to the protection of whistle- blowers, enhancing judicial accountability, strengthening anti-money laundering operations and controlling bribery of Indian public officials by foreign companies.

The government aims to establish a mechanism to receive complaints relating to disclosure on any allegation of corruption or willful misuse of power or willful misuse of discretion against any public servant under the Whistle-blowers' Bill which will also come for discussion in the Lower House tomorrow.

The measure also seeks to provide adequate safeguards against victimisation of the person making such a complaint.

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