New Delhi: The much talked about Lokpal Bill
is expected to be brought again for consideration in the Rajya
Sabha during the second phase of the Budget session of
Parliament.
"The bill is on the live register of the Rajya Sabha and
it will now be taken up only in the second phase of the Budget
session," an official said.
The Budget session begins on March 12 with President
Pratibha Patil addressing the joint sitting of members of both
the Houses of Parliament and its second part will be held from
April 24 to May 22.
The Lokpal bill was passed by the Lok Sabha during the
winter session but later a political war broke out between the
government and the opposition as the bill could not be passed
in the Upper House, with both sides accusing each other of
carrying out a "well choreographed" chaos to scuttle it.
The opposition had charged the government with running
away from a vote because of lack of majority in the House.
The government had then stated that the bill was "alive"
and would be taken up in the Budget session for passage.
In all its charges and counter charges, the government had
ensured that it does not in any way annoy its ally Trinamool
Congress, which had ganged up with the opposition and declared
that it would vote against the provisions relating to
Lokayuktas.
By May this year, the strength of the Congress and its
allies is expected to rise slightly in the Upper House after
biennial elections in several seats. The UPA does not have a
majority in the House.
The bill was the culmination of a spirited battle between
government and Team Anna which raised the pitch for a strong
anti-corruption ombudsman.
PTI
