The government on Thursday tabled the anti-graft Lokpal bill in the Lok Sabha. The long discussed bill images on the setting up of an ombudsman to check corruption in the country and bringing the prime minister under its sphere.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee held a meeting on Wednesday with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, her counterpart in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and senior party leader L.K. Advani to discuss the issue.
Mr. Mukherjee conveyed to the BJP that the Lokpal Bill passed by the Cabinet on Tuesday night can be circulated to MPs only on Wednesday evening, according to sources. He also said that the existing Lokpal Bill — introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament — will be withdrawn in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and the new Bill introduced.
Mr. Mukherjee said that in this scenario, there was little option but to extend the Winter Session by three more days and discuss the Lokpal Bill from December 27 to 29.
The BJP agreed to the proposal after initial reluctance. Party sources said its opposition is to the content of the Bill rather than extension of this session.
The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) will meet on Wednesday evening to decide on the extension.
The government is keen to ensure passage of the Lokpal Bill along with two crucial legislations — Judicial Accountability Bill and Whistleblower Protection Bill — during the current session.But since only two days are left, it wants additional sittings after the Christmas break.
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