Congress, BJP welcome passing of Lokpal Bill in Parliament

RANCHI: The Congress and the BJP today expressed happiness at the passing of the Lokpal Bill by both Houses of Parliament.

"The Congress has always advocated transparency and brought the Right to Information Act. Continuing with its commitment, it created a positive environment before the Lokpal Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament," PCC president Sukdhdeo Bhagat said here.

Also welcoming the passing of the bill, BJP's state unit president Ravindra Rai said to protect democratic values, both the ruling and the opposition had shown commitment in passing the Bill.

"The BJP has always been in favour of protecting democratic values, and we are happy and welcome the passing of the Bill," Rai added.

"The Supreme Court has upheld a universally acceptable principle that one of the attributes of sovereignty is the power to alter or cede parts of national territory, if necessary, but that power can only be exercised pursuant to a constitutional amendment under Article 368 which is sought to be done in the present case by way of a Constitutional amendment," Khurshid said.