The Rajya Sabha once again failed to pass the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill. Amid dramatic scenes, the Upper House decided to send the Bill to a select committee consisting of 15 members.
The Bill was brought in for discussion on Monday evening with the Government adding it in the list of day's business by afternoon. The official amendments had already been sent to the members by Sunday evening. The Government had assured the House in the last Winter Session that the Bill will be brought in during the Budget session.
Minister of State for Personnel, Mr V Narayanasamy said the Government is committed to set up a strong Lokpal. Soon after he completed the speech, senior Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal moved a motion demanding that the Bill be sent to a select committee.
Mr Agarwal's move was objected to by the Opposition members. They asked the Government to bring an official motion, rather than firing from another member's shoulder. The Leader of Opposition, Mr Arun Jaitley urged the Prime Minister, who was present inside the House, and the Government to be upfront and decide whether it needed a Lokpal or not. He said the credibility of Parliament was at stake.
“We want and the country wants that the Government comes out clearly on this issue. We have given our views formally at the all-party meeting and even informally,” he said.