Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: With Lokpal Bill set to become a reality, a debate has sparked off on who deserves credit for the passage of the ombudsman bill – Anna Hazare or Rahul Gandhi?
After the Lokpal Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Congress leaders left no stone unturned to ensure that Rahul Gandhi gets the credit for the same.
Congress spokesperson PC Chacko said: "It is due to the single-minded determination of Rahul Gandhi... Because of earnest attempts from Rahul Gandhi`s side, we could prevail over all the parties and Lokpal bill will be passed soon....It has become reality because Rahul Gandhi took the initiative. It was his determination that the bill should be passed."
Asked about Anna-Rahul bonhomie in the wake of letters by them to each other on the Lokpal issue, the Congress spokesperson said whoever is speaking truth may be on the same side.
However, Chackko added that he was not denying credit for the passage of the bill to Anna Hazare.
AICC in-charge of communication Ajay Maken said that Anna, in his letter, has appreciated Rahul Gandhi`s commitment to fight against corruption. “Rahul has always been committed to fight against corruption,” Maken said.
Even during televised debates, Congress spokespersons were seen evasive on giving full credit to Anna.
Anna had expressed his gratefulness to Rahul for the passage of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2013 in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday evening. "I welcome your commitment. I request you to include the recommendation of the select committee in the bill and include any other points to make the Lokpal bill strong," the social activist said.
The Aam Aadmi Party has expressed its unhappiness over the Lokpal Bill passed by the Upper House and termed it as a ‘Jokepal’, this despite Anna being satisfied with the bill.
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday finally passed the much delayed Lokpal Bill, paving the way for setting up an ombudsman to battle corruption in the government and among public servants.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 was passed by voice vote at the end of over five hours of debate in the upper house that saw political parties broadly supporting the legislation but saying it must be more effective.
The Samajwadi Party, which has opposed the bill, staged a boycott and did not take part in the debate.
