New Delhi:
The CPI has refused to answer a questionnaire on the Lokpal Bill sent to political parties by the government.
In a letter to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan said the government had not consulted other parties when setting up the committee that's drafting the new bill against corruption. Mr Mukherjee is co-chairman of that committee which pairs five ministers with five activists led by Anna Hazare.
"You want our party and also other parties to give our views on certain matters raised by you regarding the Jan Lokpal Bill latest by June 6, 2011, because as you say, 'The Joint Drafting Committee has been given a mandate to complete its work latest by 30th June 2011'. We are not aware who gave the mandate to the Joint Drafting Committee," he said.
Last week, the BJP cited similar concerns when announcing that it also not share feedback on the Lokpal Bill.
"Answers are sought by you to some issues in 'yes' or 'no' as in an objective test. We think this is a very casual way of inquiring from us on such an urgent, sensitive and important matter," Mr Bardhan said today.
"We as a political party will most certainly state our views and suggestions during the discussion on the Bill in the Parliament and also say and write about them whenever we find it necessary," he said.