Lokpal: Govt turns a deaf ear; insists it is in no hurry

New Delhi, Dec 15: Turning a deaf ear to the opposition and Anna Hazare over the lokpal issue, the government said that it is in no hurry to pass the Lokpal bill as it needs more time for consultation.

The Government has also said that passing the bill in the winter session could be difficult. A statement is likely to be announced by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today after the Wednesday, Dec 14, all party meet.

The government also asked the civil society not to lose patience and not dictate terms to parliament.

"Any civil society should not dictate terms to the Government. We cannot bring the Lokpal Bill in a hurry. Parliament is supreme," said V Narayanaswamy, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office. He also said that the government was committed to bring out a strong Lokpal.

"Every party wants a strong Lokpal Bill, but all parties are stuck to their stands," said CPI leader D Raja.

Meanwhile, proving a tough nut to crack, Anna remained defiant and insisted that the government have a special session to pass the Lokpal Bill if the winter session ends.

"If no consensus was reached in the all-party meet, it should be reached in Parliament. The Lokpal Bill has to be passed in this session," Anna said.

"Even if the session gets over, they should extend it. Sessions have been extended several times before," he added.

"The Government must not delay the Lokpal Bill. It must come in this winter session," said Arun Jaitley, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

OneIndia News