Lokpal Bill Introduced: MPs Ask Why Undue Haste

posted on Dec 22, 2011 8:45PM

new lokpal bill, shiv sena opposes concept of lokpal, mps oppose new lokpal bill, lokpal news 22 december, lokpal bill status, team anna govt slammed over lokpal bill, lokpal bill introduced in parliament Even as a comprehensive debate on the new Lokpal Bill introduced today in Parliament is scheduled for 27, 28 and 29 December, legislators from various parties opposed the very concept and timing of the Lok Pal Bill. Though different MPs criticised the government and Anna Hazare on various grounds, the primary criticism of govt was around undue haste in tabling the lokpal bill in the House while Anna was criticised for bullying the government on the lokpal issue and trying to dictate the Parliament.

Many parties were also unhappy over attempt to bring the Prime Minister under its purview and making it mandatory for states to form Lokayuktas. The inclusion of minorities' quota in the bill was also opposed by some and favoured by some parties. However, the government rejected the opposition of the legislators with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee saying, "It is for the 545 members of the Lok Sabha to decide on the bill. It is not undue haste. There is nothing illegal."

Various parties, including BJP, Shiv Sena, RJD, AIMIM and AIADMK, opposed introduction of the bill in the current form and wanted the government to revise it. Parties like RJD, Samajwadi Party, AIMIM, AIADMK opposed bringing the Prime Minister under the purview of a body which would be "accountable to nobody".
BJP, JD(U), BJD, AIADMK, DMK and CPI(M) objected to a provision in the Lokpal Bill, claiming that it made it "mandatory" for states to set up Lokayuktas and was an "attack" on the federal structure. Shiv Sena opposed the very concept of Lokpal saying that it is nothing but demeaning the parliamentary democracy.