News- Parliament likely to discuss various versions of Lokpal Bill

Parliament likely to discuss various versions of Lokpal Bill today; Anna Hazare fast enters 11^th day

Parliament is likely to discuss the Lokpal bill today. Talking to reporters after a high level meeting at Prime Minister's residence, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the government has decided to put all the drafts proposed for Lokpal bill for discussions in Parliament including Jan Lok Pal bill and the document prepared by Aruna Roy and others for a stringent anti-corruption bill.

He added that government is exploring options to hold discussions on a three sticky points emerged in the talks with team Anna. These points include discussions on adoption of citizen charter, establishment of state Lokayukta and inclusion of lower bureaucracy under the ambit of Lokpal.

Meanwhile, hectic parleys are on to break the logjam over the shape of the Lokpal Bill. Four rounds of talks have already been held between Team Anna and the Government. Union Minister of Science and Technology Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh met Anna Hazare to break the impasse.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and leaders from all other political parties in the Lok Sabha requested Anna Hazare to end his fast. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Anna Hazare has registered his protest and he should end his fast.

The BJP, after initial reluctance, announced its support to the Team Anna Lokpal bill. Senior party leader Arun Jaitley after meeting with representatives of Anna Hazare last night said that his party also want strong Lokpal bill but it should be adhered to the constitution.

After a high level meeting at New Delhi on Thursday night, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that the dialogue with team Anna will continue and requested social activist Anna Hazare to end his fast as requested unanimously across the spectrum.

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid said that with the approval of Parliament the full draft of the Lokpal Bill will be sent to Standing Committee for its consideration so that a strong Lokpal bill can be formed having maximum consensus.

Meanwhile, Anna Hazare's fast has entered 11th day today. However, the health condition of Anna Hazare is stable. Dr. Naresh Trehan, who is monitoring his health, informed last evening that Anna has lost over six kgs. of weight.