New Delhi: Certain regional parties, including some key UPA constituents, on Thursday joined hands in opposing the provisions in the Lokpal Bill for setting up of Lokayuktas in states, saying the move would undermine the autonomy of states.
Trinamool Congress and to some extent DMK joined BJP and
some other parties like BSP, AIADMK, JD-U, BJD and the Left in
opposing the provisions in Chapter III of the Lokpal and
Lokayukta Bill which deals with states ombudsman.
Trinamool Congress strongly opposed the Bill, asserting
that it seeks to encroach upon the authority of states and
weaken the country`s federal structure. It has six members in
the Upper House where the UPA does not have a majority.
Party member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said, "party leader
(Mamata Banerjee) has directed us to oppose the bill to the
extent" it seeks to encroach on autonomy of the states and
"threatens" the federal structure of the country.
DMK, another important ally of the Government, too
cautioned the UPA not to attempt a legislation which
undermines states.
"I support the Bill on behalf of DMK. However, we need an
explanation from the government. We are concerned to some
extent. The Centre should not encroach upon or trespass into
the territory of the states," T Siva (DMK) said.
PTI
