Lokpal Bill to be introduced soon

With majority of the political parties battling for parliamentary supremacy on the bill, Government expressed their confidence that a consensus will emerge on the issue and the draft legislation would be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming Monsoon Session. Home Minister P Chidambaram stated that he was very happy with the outcome of the all party meeting yesterday and was very confident about the process to bring the bill in the upcoming monsoon session and about the passing of thee said bill as soon as possible. He also pointed out that in the all party meeting conducted on Sunday called by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasised the primacy of the Parliamentary process and the role of political parties to pilot and approve legislations. Chidambaram's remarks reflected a sense of relief in the government who were battling the civil society led by Anna Hazare on the lokpal issue. Chidambaram also said that they will bring the bill in the monsoon session of Parliament. That bill will be examined. Every effort will be taken so as to pass the bill but that will depend on the members of Parliament and their desire to follow established procedures. Telecom minister Kapil Sibal made it very clear that they had promised to bring the bill in the monsoon session, but never said they will pass in the monsoon session. The minister also said that the two parties which participated in the all party meeting suggested that the bill could be passed in the winter session. Chidambaram said it was "legitimate and valid" that most parties reserved their views on the provisions of the bill till it would be brought before Parliament. Supporting Chidambaram, Sibal said that BJP will be requiring more time to finalize a view on the provisions. He also stated that many of these voices you hear will merge into the consensus. Chidambaram downplayed UPA ally DMK's strong assertion that both Prime Minister and the judiciary should be brought under Lokpal and refused to see a "divide" in the alliance. Chidambaram stated that as long as there is a broad consensus on the bill, there is nothing to be alarmed, and suggested the government has no problem even if allies express different views on some provisions of the bill. Reported by     AR