Kolkata: Ahead of Anna Hazare's fast
demanding a 'strong' Lokpal Bill, Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherjee said it is for Parliament to decide what
should be the final shape of the legislation.
"It is the job of Parliament to legislate. We
(government) had several rounds of discussion with him (Anna
Hazare) and his team. We know their viewpoints. About nine
rounds of meetings have already been held with them.
Thereafter also, through interlocutors some discussions also
took place with them," Mukherjee told reporters at his south
Kolkata residence.
Asked for his comments on Hazare's threat of going on
fast and tomorrow's debate in Parliament on the legislation,
he said, "It is for Parliament to decide what should be the
final shape of the legislation.
"We brought legislation for the consideration of the
House. I can't make any premature comment on what members will
do and respond to various provisions of the legislation. You
will come to know of it later," Mukherjee said.
Hazare is set to hold his three-day fast at the MMRDA
Ground in Mumbai against a 'weak' Lokpal Bill from today.
Team Anna had yesterday shot off an open letter to Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and MPs wanting enactment of "real and
best possible" anti-corruption law which should also provide
for an independent investigative wing for the ombudsman.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 26, 2011, 12:20