Lokpal Bill tabled, Lalu stars in drama

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The government finally introduced the contentious Lokpal bill in the Lok Sabha by voice vote on Thursday with its tabling preceded by some high drama outside the House. So much so that the government was forced by non-BJP parties to provide a “quota” for minorities through a “corrigendum”, which led to protests by the BJP.

The bill is expected to be discussed in the Lok Sabha on December 27, after the Christmas break. Team Anna rejected the Lokpal Bill for the government has not conceded its demand that the CBI be within the Lokpal’s ambit.
The BJP enunciated its opposition to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 on two counts. One, the proviso providing “not less than” 50 per cent reservation for minorities in the nine-member Lokpal bench; it said this breaches the 50 per cent limit on quotas stipulated in various SC rulings. Two, Leader of the Opposition in the LS Sushma Swaraj pointed out that the proposal to make it mandatory for states to have Lokayuktas was an attack on the country’s federal structure. Both the Lokpal and the Lokayuktas are to have constitutional status.
The government has given in to Team Anna’s demand that the Prime Minister come under the Lokpal’s purview. This again did not find acceptance among all parties with the RJD, SP, AIADMK and AIMIM opposing it. The RJD and Shiv Sena asked whether a Lokpal was at all needed.
Several parties also questioned what they said was “undue haste” being shown by the government. As CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said, “Let us not do it (introduce) under duress. Let us not surrender the sovereignty of the House.” Noting that the government first listed the bill’s introduction in the supplementary agenda, which was handed over to MPs late, and then introduced a corrigendum for providing minority reservation, Mr Dasgupta remarked, “This is parliamentary mismanagement and the government is acting in haste.” He also took a swipe at Anna Hazare, saying, “There is one person who aspires to be the second Father of the Nation. There is only one Father of the Nation”. At this, the Treasury benches, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, thumped their desks in appreciation.
The corrigendum drew protests from senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha too who said that if the government wants to provide a quota for minorities, this should be done by bringing in an amendment to the bill.
As for charges that the government is under pressure and Team Anna is dictating terms, Mr Mukherjee remarked, “If you feel it is not necessary, we will not have it. Legislation is the domain of Parliament. it is not made on the dharna manch or on the streets.”
On reservation for minorities, Mr Mukherjee said, “Let the judiciary decide if it is constitutionally valid...”