Anna Hazare came under attack in Lok Sabha today with members saying he should not pretend to be another Father of the Nation and asking the government not to succumb to his threat of agitation.
"We represent the country. There is one person who aspires to be the second Father of the Nation. There is only one Father of the Nation," CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said in an apparent reference to Hazare, prompting thumping of desks by members, including by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
"Let nobody pretend to be the sole crusader against corruption," he said, adding his party, as also others, wanted an end to corruption.
During a short debate at the time of introduction of the Lokpal Bill, Dasgupta told the government, "Please don't be afraid of agitation. .... Don't surrender sovereignty of Parliament."
His remarks came after Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee said Hazare had led an agitation earlier and has threatened to launch another one soon.
Hitting out at Anna Hazare and his team, RJD chief Lalu Prasad said, 'three-four people cannot dictate to Parliament. ... Parliament cannot be run from the footpath. We are the lawmakers'.
Taking a dig at Hazare's threats of hunger-strike, he said, 'if someone goes on fast for the benefit of his health, what do we have to do with it?'
Prasad also had a word of advice for Hazare, saying he should pay attention to his health.
Government tables Lokpal Bill
Amid stiff opposition, the government finally introduced in the Lok Sabha the much-debated Lokpal bill that envisages creation of anti-graft institutions at the central as well as state levels with a provision for including marginalised minorities and other sections as members.
The government also introduced a separate bill for amending the constitution to confer constitutional status to the proposed institutions. The bills would be taken up for a debate in the Lok Sabha on December 27. Both houses meet Dec 27-29 to discuss the legislation.
"The (Lokpal) bill proposes to establish autonomous and independent institutions called Lokpal at the central level and Lokayukta for states. These shall have powers of superintendence and direction for holding a preliminary inquiry, causing an investigation to be made and prosecution of offences in respect of complaints under any law for the prevention of corruption," according to the draft legislation.
The bill proposes to bring prime minister under the purview of the nine-member Lokpal but with specific exclusions.
The Lokpal cannot hold any inquiry against the prime minister if allegations relate to international relations, external and internal security of the country, public order, atomic energy and space.
According to the draft bill, 50 percent of members shall be from amongst Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities and women.
The government appeared to have done a flip-flop on the inclusion of minorities. It brought a corrigendum with the bill, to include the provision for minorities.
The Lokpal also has its jurisdiction to include all categories of government officers and employees but the investigation is to be done by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).