Despite the Opposition parties’ promise that they will allow the passage of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill without discussion, the Government could not ensure peace in the Upper House.
Though a discussion on the amended Bill was initiated by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, V. Narayanasamy, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Friday as the United Progressive Alliance’s outside supporter Samajwadi Party disrupted the proceedings over price rise.
There are also indications that the Congress does not want to antagonise the SP. Congress leaders fear SP may support the no-confidence motion moved by some Congress MPs, Telugu Desam Party and YSR Congress party on the Andhra Pradesh bifurcation issue.
Opposition MPs were heard shouting amid the din that there was an understanding between the Congress and SP against the Bill’s passage. “It’s all drama,” said CPI(M) MP K.N. Balagopal. The Bahujan SamajParty also said the passage was purposefully thwarted. “The Congress was using SP as their front,” said BSP leader Brajesh Pathak.
“We need to restore faith in public life and create an effective mechanism to deal with corruption. It is important that we provide for an effective Lokpal legislation,” Opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said. The Bill will now be taken up again in the Upper House on Monday.
The Congress wants to avoid an embarrassment in Parliament on the issue. In the event of a no-confidence motion, the Congress may have to seek the support of the BJP against the no-confidence motion. The BJP is in favour of Telangana and the party has made it clear that it will not support a no-confidence motion, which is against the formation of Telangana.
“Being the ruling party, it is highly irresponsible on the part of the Congress as it is indulging in double-speak. The Union Government proposes Telangana but the State Congress openly opposes formation of Telangana State,” BJP president Rajnath Singh said.