Government makes efforts to enlist support in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: Amid government's last ditch efforts to enlist support for Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today met leaders of parties like BSP and RJD to persuade them to give up their opposition.

Mukherjee, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, held meetings with BSP leader Satish C Mishra and RJD chief Lalu Prasad as the debate was underway in the Rajya Sabha.

BSP has 18 members and RJD four in the 243-member House. Sources said Mishra and Prasad were asked about the stand of their parties on the Lokpal Bill and how they would vote.

Mishra told Mukherjee that BSP was opposed to Lokayukta provision as it goes against the sprit of federalism.

The government side told him that it would get back, the sources said.

The BSP remained firm on its opposition to the clauses on Lokayukta although it has not moved any amendment.

There were indications that BSP members would not walk out.

Meanwhile, in indications of further problems for the government, two Congress members P Kannan and Vijay Darda were not present. Congress has 71 members, altogether.