New Delhi: Making a strong pitch for bringing the Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal, Left parties on Wednesday emphasised the need for tackling corruption at the higher level.
The Left parties, as well as Civil Society members also stressed on the need to have a strong, effective and independent Lokpal in place soon.
CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said the four Bills to constitute Lokpal during the previous four governments including that of NDA, United Front and VP Singh, in this regard had provisions for bringing the Prime Minister under the Lokpal.
"The four bills for Lokpal brought in 1989, 1996 and two under the NDA regime had the PM under its purview," Karat said speaking a public meeting "against corruption and corporate loot".
CPI general secretary AB Bardhan also stressed that the Prime Minister be brought within the ambit of the Lokpal Bill.
"There could be some safeguards, though. The Supreme Court must examine whether there is a prima facie case, before initiating action against the prime minister. Infact, PM's and Presidents across the world have been investigated and duly punished, including that for corruption and other deeds."
Karat said this is the right time to bring in a legislation to tackle corruption. "With more and more people coming forward on the streets against corruption, saying they cannot tolerate it anymore, we must have a series of measures in place to tackle corruption."
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