Political career for Indina Youth-Parliament Passes the Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktha Bill

Parliament Passes the Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktha Bill

Parliament has passed the Lokpal Bill with the Lok Sabha approving it by a voice vote. The Rajya Sabha had passed it yesterday (17.12.13).The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die today after adopting the historic Lokpal Bill.

Earlier, as soon as the Lok Sabha reassembled at noon after its first adjournment, the house took up the bill amid slogan shouting by members from Andhra Pradesh against the bifurcation of the State. Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said that enough discussion had taken place in this house in 2011 and also in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. He urged the members to pass the bill as amended and passed by the Rajya Sabha.

Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said that the house has not functioned even for a single day during the current session which began on the 5th of this month. She said if house could pass this bill today, it would be a memorable session. Mrs Swaraj expressed concern that the proceedings in the house have been stalled all along by the members of the ruling party and its allies.

Participating in the discussion, Rahul Gandhi of the Congress said it is a historic moment today when the house could pass the bill which was not passed during the last 45 years. He said the Lokpal bill alone is not enough to fight corruption and the country needs a comprehensive anti-corruption code. Mr Gandhi said six bills to combat corruption are pending in the two houses of Parliament. They have to be passed in the current session, no matter the session has to be extended beyond Friday.

Opposing the bill, Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi party said it is very dangerous bill and it will destroy the country. He said no officer would like to take any decision fearing action by Lokpal. Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal United criticized the provision of the bill which brings Prime Minister under its ambit.

Politica Career for Indian Youth- Can’t accept all demands on Lokpal: Salman Khurshid

Can’t accept all demands on Lokpal: Salman Khurshid

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid has said all demands of Anna Hazare on the Lokpal Bill could not be accepted as a lot of other people think differently. He told reporters on the sidelines of a conference, Electoral Reforms in India - The Role of Intellectuals in Bangalore on Friday.He said Anna Hazare had a role to perform and it was legitimate, but he had to decide the limit of his exercise. Asked whether the Lokpal Bill undermined the autonomy of the CBI, Khurshid said the Government and other investigation agencies, including the Lokpal, would not interfere in the probes conducted by the CBI.

New Lokpal Bill to be introduced in Lok sabha tomorrow

New Lokpal Bill to be introduced in Lok sabha tomorrow

A new Lokpal Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and the existing one will be withdrawn.

This was conveyed by government to main opposition BJP today along with the intention to have a three-day additional sitting of Parliament from December 27 to take up this crucial Bill. BJP gave its nod to this proposal.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee held a meeting on Wednesday with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, her counterpart in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and BJP leader L K Advani to discuss the issue.
According to sources, Mukherjee conveyed to the BJP that the Lokpal Bill passed by the Cabinet last night can be circulated to MPs only Wednesday evening.
He also said that the existing Lokpal Bill- introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be withdrawn in Lok Sabha on Thursday and the new Bill introduced.
Mukherjee said that in this scenario, there is little option but to extend the Winter Session by three more days and discuss the Lokpal Bill from 27th to 29th of this month.
The Business Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday evening to decide on the extension.
Reports say, Government is keen to ensure passage of Lokpal along with two crucial legislations- Judicial Accountability Bill and Whistleblower Protection Bill -- during the current session. But since only two days are left, it wants additional sitting after the Christmas break.

Group of Ministers Finalise the Draft Lokpal Bill

Group of Ministers Finalise the Draft Lokpal Bill

The Ministers group have finalised the draft of the Lok Pal bill. Union law Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters after a two and a half hour long meeting that the officials will prepare the final draft tonight. He added that the cabinet meeting scheduled later tonight may not take place. Mr. Khurshid said the government is clear on each point of the Lok Pal Bill and it is not working under any pressure.

He said that after the cabinet approval, the final call on the bill has to be taken by Parliament. He also said that it is also not necessary that the Parliament session will be extended.

The Meeting was attended by Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy apart from the Law Minister.

It is reported that the meeting also discussed the autonomy of the Central Bureau of Investigation. 

Our reporter quoting sources in Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said, that the government is open to bring group 'C' employees under the ambit of Lokpal.

The Cabinet had on Sunday held preliminary discussions on the bill expected to be tabled in the current session of Parliament.

The Government has already made it clear that it is open to other ideas that emanated at the all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister, along with the incorporation of recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said that the cabinet will take up the Lokpal bill for discussion and approval Tuesday morning.

He expressed the hope that there is by and large a political consensus on the bill and the anti-graft bill will be passed by Parliament in the current session.

The Minister elaborated that he is hopeful that all parties will accept the draft prepared by the government after thorough discussions and recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Government to bring Lokpal bill in next session of Parliament

Government to bring Lokpal bill in next session of Parliament: Khurshid

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid has said that the government will bring a bill in the next session of Parliament to prevent people with criminal background to contest elections. Talking to media persons at Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, he said, consultations with political parties have already taken place and discussions are on with other stake-holders in this regard.

Referring to social activist Anna Hazare's demand for Right to recall the elected representatives from Parliament and State Assemblies, he said it is not possible without taking political parties into confidence. He said, the governments will not take any unilateral decision on this issue.

News-Social activist Anna Hazare ends his 12 day old fast

Social activist Anna Hazare ends his 12 day old fast

Social activist Anna Hazare ended his fast this morning on the 12th day after Parliament unanimously agreed in principle with his three demands to deal with corruption. The 74-year-old Hazare accepted a glass of tender coconut water mixed with honey from two little girls at the Ramlila Ground to end his fast that began on the 16th of August. Addressing the gathering Hazare said that he has just deferred his agitation but the fight will continue. Outlining his future agenda, he emphasized reforms in election and education systems and working for the betterment of farmers and labourers. He also sought decentralisation of power, saying the real power should rest with gram sabhas. He called upon the people to protect environment and reasonable use of natural resources for the sake of better future of next generation. He thanked all for this victory.

“I thank every body because the victory which has been received regarding the significant three issues in Jan Lokpal, is the victory of every countryman. It is the victory of you people who stood here”

After his brief address, the social activist was taken to a private Hospital atGurgaon for a medical check up and he is likely to remain there for a couple of days . Earlier, one of his close aides Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Parliamentarians and leaders of political parties for their support to the demands made by team Anna. Various political parties welcomed the ending of Anna Hazare's fast. Congress today said it is a "win-win situation" for all stakeholders. Talking to media persons in New Delhi, Union Law Minister and Senior Congress Leader Salman Khurshid said that the government wants a better system in the country to protect the interest of common man. He congratulated Mr Hazare for his totally peaceful and successful agitation. BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said that they will fully support setting up a strong and effective Lok Pal.JD(U) spokesman Shivanand Tiwary said that his party is committed to the eradication of corruption and for a strong Lok Pal.

News- Parliament unanimously agrees on a resolution of Team Anna

Parliament unanimously agrees on a resolution on three demands of Team Anna on Lokpal issue

Prospects of Anna Hazare breaking his 12 day fast have further brightened with Parliament unanimously agreeing to a resolution in principle to their three demands. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha agreed to the resolution conveying the sense of the two Houses on the demands of Team Anna. The demands included setting up of Lok Ayukatas at state levels, bringing lower bureaucracy under the ambit of the Lokpal and the charter that makes response of the government to citizen's issues time bound. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, both Houses also resolved that the resolution will be sent to the Standing Committee now looking into the Lokpal bill for its perusal.

“There is in principle agreement on Citizen's Charter, Lower Bureauracy to be brought under the Lokpal through appropriate mechanism, establishment of a Lokayukta in the states. Having agreed in principle this House, Madam Speaker, I will request you to transmit the entire proceedings of this House, to the relevent standing committee for their perusal to further their recommendations for the bill which will be able to sent to us for consideration at the appropriate time”

News-Rahul Gandhi Calls for Strengthening Lokpal by making Constitutional body

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Strengthening Lokpal by making Constitutional body

AICC General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi on Friday called for a stronger Lokpal by making it a Constitutional body like the Election Commission. He said a comprehensive framework of action and a concerted political programme is essential to deal effectively with the menace of corruption. Rahul thanked, Anna Hazare saying Anna has helped articulate public sentiment against corruption.

Making a statement in the Loksabha on Friday he asserted that the real question before the members of Parliament is to take the battle against corruption head-on. He said, corruption can't be wished away, as it will require a comprehensive programme of action. He said, he had serious doubts about the perception that the enactment of a single bill will eradicate corruption.

Rahul said, Lokpal alone cannot be a substitute to anti-corruption code and a set of effective laws is required covering various fields. He said, these include government funding of elections and political parties, transparency in public procurement, proper regulation of sectors fueling corruption like land in mining, tax reforms and grievance redressal mechanism in public service delivery.

He urged public representatives to work together to ensure parliament functions at its optimum capacity and enacts these laws in a just and time bound manner.

He cautioned that a tactical incursion divorced from the machinery of an elected government that seeks to undo the checks and balances to protect the supremacy of Parliament sets a dangerous precedent for a democracy.

He reminded that today it is a proposed law against corruption, tomorrow it can be an issue that attacks the plurality of the society and democracy. He called for moving democracy deeper into villages and cities and urged the members to commit themselves to truth and probity in public life.

Speaking to reporters outside parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that his proposal to set up an Election Commission like body to deal with the menace of corruption is a game changing idea.

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.

News- Government calls all party meet to solve Lokpal issue

Government calls all party meet to solve Lokpal issue

Government has convened an all-party meeting tomorrow to find a way to solve the Lok Pal issue. Leaders of all political parties have been invited to attend the meet scheduled for 3.30 pm tomorrow. No headway has been made so far in the talks between the government and the Civil Society activists in the behind the scene talks. Official sources said, government is of the view that some of the demands put forth by Hazare and his associates, require a wider political consensus before a decision could be taken. In a related development, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today held a detailed meeting with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, looking into the Lokpal Bill. Singhvi had yesterday said that difference between the government and Hazare on Lokpal Bill were more to do with methodology rather than content and said, the Committee is open to all kinds of opinions and inputs to send a strong and acceptable Lokpal Bill back to Parliament. Congress Member Praveen Singh Aron has already submitted a copy of Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill for consideration of the Committee.

A close aide of Anna, Arvind Kejriwal has suggested that government should either withdraw the official Bill or amend it by including provisions of the Jan Lokpal Bill. However, he said, Hazare has not insisted that he will talk only with Prime Minister or Congress.

The fast of Anna Hazare entered the 8th day today. Doctors have advised him not to venture into the sun as it could have a negative impact on his health.

Nine non-BJP, non-Congress, political parties are observing a nationwide protest today against the government's version of the Lokpal Bill. The Members of Parliament belonging to these parties held a protest demonstration in front of the statue of Mahatama Gandhi in Parliament complex this morning. They were demanding an effective legislation to end corruption in high places.

News-Government open to reasoned debate on Lokpal

Government open to reasoned debate on Lokpal: PM

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that the government is opened to a reasoned debate on all issues of Lokpal Bill. Delivering the Golden jubilee lecture of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, Dr. Singh said that there are differences of views on the details of the Bill and the Parliamentary Standing Committee looking into the bill has the power to propose any amendment.

The Prime Minister asserted that creation of a Lokpal alone will not solve the problem of corruption and it needs to be supported by improvements in the pace and quality of Judicial processes.

He added speedy trials and timely judgements will do a great deal to discourage corruption and dispel the notion that those who break the law can get away scot free.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the diamond jubilee celebration and also address the 57th Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharakhpur in West Midnapoor district on Monday afternoon.

News- news-Government for strong Lokpal Bill and open to discussion

Prime Minister says Government for strong Lokpal Bill and open to discussion

Prime Minister says, the Government is for a strong Lok Pal Bill and open to discussion on the issue. Calling for a broad national consensus , Dr.Manmohan Singh expressed the hope that the government can enlist the cooperation of all thinking segments of public opinion to ensure that the end product is a strong and effective Lokpal which all sections of our community want. The Prime Minister was replying questions from the media at the conclusion of the full meeting of the Planning Commission to approve the Approach Paper of the 12th Five Year Plan.

Dr.Singh said the government has presented a Lokpal Bill which was the demand of all political parties. On the passage of the Lok Pal bill Dr Singh hoped that people will appreciate that there is a dynamic of the legislative process which takes time sometimes. Certain stages have to be crossed. Therefore, he said, it may not be possible to pass the bill by the end of this month. But, he said, he will not like to say or oppose anything else that has been said by somebody else.
The Congress Party has already indicated that it is not averse to talk to Team Anna if it formally approaches the government over the Lokpal issue.

Meanwhile, a Parliamentary panel has sought public opinion and suggestions on the Lokpal Bill. The panel has given a deadline of 15 days to the general public and organisations to send their feedback on the measure which proposes to create an anti-corruption watchdog.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel has today issued an advertisement giving out salient features of the Bill. The bill was introduced in Parliament on fourth of this month and soon after it was referred to the Standing Committee giving it three months to come up with its recommendations. 

Social activist Anna Hazare continued his fast at Ram Lila ground on fifth day today to press for his demand for a strong Lokpal. He is also demanding reforms in the electoral process. Members of Team Anna today said that they are open to hold talks with the Government. They however said there is no indication from the government

News- All shortcomings of Lokpal Bill will be looked into: Congress

All shortcomings of Lokpal Bill will be looked into: Congress

Congress on Thursday said that all the shortcomings of the Lokpal Bill will be looked into by the Standing Committee of Parliament. Briefing reporters in New Delhi, party Spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary said that the Government has already considered various demands of the civil society and the bill will be debated upon in detail after the Standing Committee submits its recommendations.

News-Hazare accepts police proposal to fast for 14 days

Hazare accepts police proposal to fast for 14 days

Social activist Anna Hazare has accepted the Delhi Police proposal to fast for 14 days at Ramlila Maidan beginning today. With this the deadlock between Hazare and Delhi police over the duration of his fast has come to an end.

Anna's associate Kiran Bedi said that Anna has accepted the Delhi Police permission for two weeks of fast. She said Anna will be at the Ramlila Ground after 3PM. Bedi said the conditions which were earlier unacceptable to Anna team have been removed by the Delhi police.
A Delhi police spokesperson told that the breakthrough came following the meeting of Hazare aides- Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta shortly after midnight.
Anna is likely to leave Tihar jail Thursday afternoon.

News-Anna Hazare released from Tihar jail

Anna Hazare released from Tihar jail

Social activist Anna Hazare along with his associates has been released from Tihar jail. Confirming this Public Relation Officer of Tihar Jail Sunil Gupta said that Team Anna has been released after receiving proper orders from Delhi Police.

Mr. Gupta informed that Anna Hazare has refused to come out of jail unless he is allowed to carry out his indefinite fast at JP Park in the National capital. His other associates have already come out of the jail.

Mr. Hazare was taken into custody yesterday morning on grounds of apprehension of breach of peace following his intention to defy prohibitory orders to go on indefinite fast. Later he was sent to Jail after he was produced before a Special Executive Magistrate and refused to give the undertaking.

Anna's associates Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan, who were detained, were also released.
Earlier, Opposition Parties had demanded immediate release of Anna Hazare. They also demanded a statement from the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament on his arrest. The demand was made after a meeting of leaders of various political parties including Sitaram Yechuri of CPM, Gurudas Dasgupta and D.Raja of CPI, Shailendra Kumar of Samajwadi Party, Raghuvamsh Prasad Singh of RJD and Mysoora Reddy of TDP besides NDA partners.

Talking to reporters following the meeting, CPIM leader Seetaram Yechury said that they wanted the Prime Minister to explain the government's action in both the Houses.

In a separate briefing, senior BJP leader, Mrs Sushma Swaraj echoed similar sentiments. However, there was no consensus amongst the opposition parties on boycotting the parliament on the issue.

Strongly defending Anna Hazare's custody, the Home Minister Mr. P.Chidambaram had earlier said that the government was not happy with the conditions imposed by the Delhi Police.

But it was a painful decision to detain Anna as he and his supporters had made it public that they will defy the prohibitory orders.

Mr. Chidambaram however made it clear that the government is not against holding any demonstration or peaceful protest.

Talking to a private TV channel, Information and Broadcasting minister Ambika Soni, asserted that only Jan Lokpal Bill will not root out corruption. She said, the anguish of the people is understandable and several measures have to be taken for combating the menace of corruption.

News-Delhi Police rejects permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast

Delhi Police rejects permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast

Delhi Police today rejected permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast in the National Capital. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said that the affidavit submitted by Hazare team was incomplete as they did not restrict themselves to the time limit of three days and the number of protestors to 5,000.

The police move to reject the application came soon after the Hazare team submitted an undertaking leaving six out of the 22 conditions laid out by Delhi Police for granting permission for the fast at the park.

News- LokPal Bill introduced in Parliament

Lokpal Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

The Lokpal Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Personnel, Mr. V.Narayansamy. The proposed legislation will pave the way for creating a mechanism for citizens to approach newly created anti- corruption watchdog with complaints against officials, bureaucrats and Union Ministers.
When the Bill was introduced, the leader of the Opposition in the House, Sushma Swaraj questioned why the Prime Minister is not under the ambit of Lokpal. Mr. Narayansamy in response said that the decision will have to be taken by the House.
The Lokpal will have a Chairman with eight members to assist him. The post of Prime Minister and Senior Judiciary has been kept out of the ambit of the Bill.
The Bill will now go to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for detailed discussions and review before it comes for approval of the House. Earlier, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said the civil society activists led by Anna Hazare, should not take any extreme step in protest against the Lokpal Bill. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, he said everyone should have faith in Parliament which will take a final decision on the Bill.

News-Cabinet approves draft Lokpal Bill

Cabinet approves draft Lokpal Bill

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the enactment of a new legislation, in the form of Lokpal Bill-2011 to inquire into the allegations of corruption. Briefing the media, after a meeting of the cabinet, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mrs. Ambika Soni said the bill will be introduced in Monsoon session of Parliament beginning on Monday. The Prime Minister and the higher judiciary will not come under the purview of the Lokpal Bill but the former Prime Ministers have been brought under its ambit.

She said the Lokpal will constitute of a Chairperson and eight members, half of them will be judicial members. The Bill provides for the establishment of the institution of Lokpal to inquire into the allegations of corruption. The Lokpal will also have powers to attach the property of corrupt public servants acquired through corrupt means. In reply to a question, Law minister Salman Khursheed said, Lokpal will have separate wings on inquiry and investigation but no power to prosecute. Mr Khursheed said Prosecution has to be done by judiciary. He said that the draft legislation, which has included some of the provisions of the Jan Lokpal Bill proposed by Team Anna Hazare, gives permission to Lokpal to probe any Union Minister or officials of Group A and above without any sanction.

News-Consensus on strong and effective Lokpal Bill

All Party Meet Meet- Consensus on strong and effective Lokpal Bill
An all party meeting convened by the Prime Minister in New Delhi last evening agreed that the government should bring before the next session of Parliament a strong and effective Lokpal Bill following the established procedures.

According to the sources, who attended the meeting, the political parties have asked the government to first table the bill in Parliament so that a proper discussion on the issue could follow.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated government's commitment to enact a Lokpal Act, which provides for a strong, effective and quick institutional arrangement for tackling corruption at high places.

Dr Manmohan Singh reaffirmed that the bill will be presented before Parliament in the coming Monsoon Session.

Urging the parties to arrive at the widest possible consensus, he assured that their views will be appropriately taken into account while presenting a suitable bill in Parliament.

Acknowledging that the corruption is a major issue today, the Prime Minister drew the attention of the political parties to the fact that there are enough legal and institutional arrangements in place to tackle corruption.

Dr Manmohan Singh noted that there is a feeling that the institutional arrangements in place are not strong enough to ensure that the guilty, especially those occupying high positions, are brought to book swiftly and given deterrent punishment.

The Prime Minister emphasised that to achieve the objective, the Lokpal has to work in harmony with other institutions and laws and within the framework of the basic structure of the Constitution.

He underlined that the Constitution provides for an intricate system of checks and balances and the new institution of Lokpal has to find an appropriate place in that matrix.

Dr Manmohan Singh had convened the meeting of all political parties in the backdrop of differences between the representatives of government and civil society in the drafting committee on certain provisions of the bill.

After the meeting, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said her party did not agree with a number of provisions of government's Lokpal bill like selection and jurisdiction. She said, BJP will present views on Lokpal bill when it is discussed in Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, union ministers - Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, M Veerappa Moily, Salman Khurshid and Pawan Kumar Bansal. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel (both NCP), and T R Baalu (DMK) were among UPA constituents to attend the deliberations.

The Opposition was represented by BJP leaders L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, NDA Convenor and JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav, S S Dhindsa of SAD, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Gurudas Dasgupta and D Raja (both CPI), Lalu Prasad (RJD) and V Maitreyan and M Thambidurai (both AIADMK), S C Mishra (BSP) and Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) at the meeting.

The government is learnt to have presented to the parties a comparative draft of the provisions of the Lokpal Bill suggested by the civil society and those put forward by the five union ministers in the Joint Drafting Committee.

News-Jayalalithaa against PM falling under Lokpal radar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa against PM falling under Lokpal radar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said last Monday that the proposed anti-graft Lokpal bill should exclude the prime minister from its ambit as it would undermine his authority and could be used by foreign powers to destabilise the government.

In an interview to Times Now channel, she said: 'The proposed Lokpal bill should exclude the prime minister as he is already covered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Any misconduct by the prime minister can be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.'
'Lokpal could be used by foreign powers to destabilise the government,' she said.
According to her, bringing the prime minister under the Lokpal's ambit would dent his authority as he will be on the defensive when Lokpal would investigate a complaint.
Jayalalithaa said the functioning of the Lokpal, with powers to probe complaints against the prime minister, would pave the way for a parallel government which will undermine the prime minister's authority.
She said the state would formulate its view only after the bill is placed before parliament. Referring to her offer of support to the central government last November, Jayalalithaa said it was not a standing offer. The one-time offer was made in a particular context, in a particular situation and that situation did not exist now.