Lokpal: Kapil Sibal says BJP doesn't want Lokpal bill

The much-awaited Lokpal bill was today taken up for consideration by the Lok Sabha on a stormy note with the Opposition demanding its withdrawal contending it was full of deficiencies, even as the government asserted that it had sought to strike a fine balance.

In Parliament, Congress leader Kapil Sibal spoke on behalf of the Congress, responding to Sushma Swaraj's charges over the Lokpall bill introduced by the government. He said the BJP's charge of infringing on federal powers is wrong -- this has to do with bhrashtachar (corruption).

Tearing into Sushma Swaraj's arguments, Kapil Sibal termed them flawed.

Sushma Swaraj said the bill was placed by the government in a fit of rage. "Sad to say that the bill is inadequate. The bill has lot of flaws, lot of inconsistencies. We expected government to bring a bill that will remove corruption. The bill has ruined our expectations. It violates the constitution," she added.

Kapil Sibal in reply said the people would not forgive the Opposition if the Lokpal bill was not passed. Sibal, however, could noy go beyond saying, "madam, madam, madam", in quick succession, as Swaraj interrupted him. Sibal said the government bill dealt with graft, and the Parliament did have the powers to deal with it.

Kapil Sibal quoted the provision in the Lokpal bill that allows the government to notify different sections of the law on different states and says the Parliament has every right to bring a bill under Article 253. The Article directly relates to implementation of the Lokpal Bill in states, it cannot be brought under 252 as BJP wants.

Sibal said the BJP basically had nothing to offer in terms of building a stronger Lokpal, they just wanted to foster their political aspirations.

He said the BJP will go against Sense of House if it opposes the Lokpal Bill -- says the truth is: Apne ghar mein bhrastachar aapnao aur dusron pe aaarop lagaye.

The BJP has been lecturing people on autonomy, but has Gujarat had a Lokpal? No, it hasn't, not in the last nine years, said Sibal.