The Lokpal Bill faced choppy weather in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with key UPA allies as well the Opposition terming it as an attack on the federal structure of the country.
Despite hectic back-channel talks between various parties, the Government appeared to be on a sticky wicket as far as getting the Bill passed was concerned, with key ally, the Trinamool Congress, pressing for key amendments, including deleting the Lokayukta clauses from the Bill.
Sources said if the UPA, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, fails to rustle up the numbers and the Bill falls through, it could be referred to a House select committee. And, if the amendments are accepted, it may go back to the Lok Sabha.
Earlier, as soon as The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, already passed by the Lok Sabha, was tabled by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr V. Narayanasamy, on Thursday, the BJP and Left parties rejected it as “constitutionally vulnerable”.
While the UPA's key ally, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was firm on moving amendments, keeping Congress floor managers on their toes, the RJD, SP and BSP, who had staged a walk-out in the Lok Sabha during the Constitutional Amendment Bill, also opposed the provision relating to constitution of Lokayuktas, which they said would “weaken” federalism.
Kicking off the debate, leader of the Opposition, Mr Arun Jaitley, said the Bill in its present form would wreak “constitutional havoc” as the Centre would be encouraged to “usurp” the rights of States through the provision for setting up of Lokayuktas. He also opposed minority quota in the Lokpal bench, inclusion of NGOs and keeping CBI out of its purview.
Another key UPA ally, the DMK, too, cautioned the Government against legislation that “undermines” States. “I support the Bill on behalf of the DMK. However…the Centre should not encroach upon or trespass on the territory of the States,” the DMK's Mr T. Siva said.
Congress leader, Mr Abhishek M. Singhvi, blamed the BJP for the Lokpal not getting Constitutional status. Rejecting charges of an assault on federalism, he said Parliament had the power to make laws for the whole country or for any part, and said the BJP was trying to score brownie points with an eye on the Assembly polls.