New Delhi: India is finally just one step away from getting a strong anti-corruption watchdog after all the political parties with the exception of Samajwadi Party, whose MPs walked out, voted in favour of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill came to the Lok Sabha a day after the Rajya Sabha passed it with several amendments, and after a brief debate got the green signal.
The Bill will now go to the President for his approval before it becomes law. After the Bill's passage, social activist Anna Hazare broke his eight-day long fast in his native village Ralegan Siddhi and welcomed the move saying it will significantly cut down corruption in the system.
The Bill was passed by voice vote amid din created by members from Seemandhra region who were protesting against division of Andhra Pradesh to create Telangana state.
The Bill had already been passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2011 but it came to the House again as it underwent amendments before being approved by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
While supporting the measure, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said, "Lokpal Bill alone is not enough to fight corruption. What we need is a comprehensive anti-corruption code. The UPA government has prepared an anti-corruption framework."
He suggested the extension of the Winter Session to pass six more bills which were "part of the comprehensive anti-corruption framework".
The Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj supported the Bill but attacked Congress for clamouring to take credit for it, saying "The people of this country and the old man (Anna Hazare) who has undertaken fast several times deserve the credit."
The Bill aims at tackling the menace of corruption and brings under its purview the Prime Minister with certain safeguards and other public servants.
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav was vociferous in his opposition and said a strong Lokpal will bring government work to a halt as bureaucrates and ministers would be afraid of carrying out their duties. "It will create a fear psychosis among the bureaucracy and no official will take a decision or sign a document," Yadav said, adding that as per the law, a low level police officer will be empowered to question and investigate senior politicians and public officials.
Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav said he is supporting the Bill as he does not wish to create any hurdle in the work of the government. He expressed certain reservations about the Lokpal Bill, including the provision of putting the Prime Minister under it.
(With additional information from PTI)
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