New Delhi:
As the government tries to beat the deadline set by activist Anna Hazare, it's running into all sorts of trouble. To start with, 74-year-old Anna and his team have rejected the draft of the Lokpal Bill that will be reviewed by the Cabinet tonight; Anna says he will fast for three days starting December 27 in protest. The government's other quandary comes courtesy parties who say they don't want this Parliament session to be extended by three days to push the critical bill through Parliament. The Winter Session wraps on Thursday.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal confirmed that the extension is now being reconsidered. Some MPs have objected to an extension beyond Christmas, he said.
A unanimous decision was taken today by the Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee to extend the Winter Session of Parliament from December 27 to 29 to enable a debate and vote on the Lokpal Bill, as well as some other crucial legislation like the Judicial Accountability Bill. But now, some parties have changed their mind. They want the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill to be discussed and passed on Thursday and Friday this week. Mayawati's BSP and the Shiv Sena, along with some MPs from the North East, have rejected the extension suggested today. The Business Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow to find a solution. The government says it's keen on passing the Lokpal Bill this week, but other parties had said they wanted time allotted for extensive discussion.
Anna, who is 74, and his threat to launch his hunger strike on December 27, looms over Parliament. Anna has been fronting the movement for a strong Lokpal bill, which is meant to vaccinate government servants against corruption. His team has rejected the Lokpal Bill draft that will be reviewed tonight by the Cabinet on the grounds that it gives the new Lokpal - an ombudsman agency - no real powers.
The Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members from different parties, including the Speaker. The function of the Committee is to recommend what matters should be discussed, and how much time should be allotted to these topics.