The historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas bill will be taken up for discussion in Parliament over the next three days of extended winter session of Parliament.
The debate could be quite animated with major opposition parties seeking to move amendments to the bill.Members of several parties have flagged their concerns over the way the bill pursues and some of its provisions.
BJP expressed concern over independence of CBI, Parliament enacting Lokayukta legislation for states and reservation for minorities in the Lokpal panel.
However, government remained unfazed saying Hazare’s fast at a time when Parliament takes up the Bill will be construed as an “obstructionist” tactics.
Congress has issued a three- line whip to its members to be present in the House tomorrow.
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, which also seeks to establish ombudsmen in the states besides the Centre, is listed for discussion for eight hours along with the Constitutional amendment bill for giving Constitutional status to Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
The Whistleblowers Bill will also be taken up.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal asserted that the Lokpal bill that had been introduced is a product of wide- ranging consultations with civil society and political parties and called it a “fine piece of legislation” to provide for a strong Lokpal.
He also said that the Constitutional Bill, which requires a special majority for passage, would be put to voting only if it has required support.
74-year-old Hazare, who is suffering from viral infection, left Ralegan Siddhi for Mumbai where he will lead a three-day fast which will be joined by supporters across the country, including in the national capital.
“It is the job of Parliament to legislate. We (government) had several rounds of discussion with him (Anna Hazare) and his team. We know their viewpoints. About nine rounds of meetings have already been held with them. Thereafter also, through interlocutors some discussions also took place with them,” Mukherjee told reporters at his south Kolkata residence on Monday.
Asked for his comments on Hazare’s threat of going on fast and Tuesday’s debate in Parliament on the legislation, he said, “It is for Parliament to decide what should be the final shape of the legislation”.
“We brought legislation for the consideration of the House. I can’t make any premature comment on what members will do and respond to various provisions of the legislation. You will come to know of it later,” Mukherjee said.