Govt v/s Team Anna: Open debate on Lokpal @ Ramlila likely?

New Delhi/Kolkata, Aug 22: Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh on Monday, Aug 22 stated that the government is ready to go for an open debate on Lokpal and Jan Lokpal bill for a corruption-free nation. Citing the PM's statement, it seems that an open debate on the disputed issue (Lokpal) is likely to be held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.

The speculation over the open debate in Ramlila popped up after a crucial member of Team Anna, Arvind Kejriwal on Monday asked the government to come for an open discussion at Ramlila where 74-year-old Anna Hazare has been holding his indefinite-fat since Aug 19.

Attending a function at Kolkata IIM, the PM said, "We have introduced a bill in parliament which is now before the Standing Committee. There are differences in views of the details of the Bill. We have made it clear that individuals should convey their concerns on different aspects of the bill to their representatives in parliament and to the Standing Committee, which has the power to propose amendments."

"We are open to a debate on all these issues. The creation of a Lokpal will no doubt help...but it will not solve the problem," added Singh.

OneIndia News