Rahul Gandhi demands extension of Parliament session; says there is chance to make history by passing Lokpal Bill

NEW DELHI: Demanding an extension of the Parliament's Winter Session, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged all political parties to support the Lokpal Bill and ensure its passage.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said, "We have a chance to make history by passing Lokpal Bill. It is our responsibility to complete unfinished work in fight against corruption."

Rahul Gandhi also emphasised the need to extend the session in order to debate other key bills in the Parliament.

Meanwhile, with Lok Sabha taking up the Lokpal bill today, there are expectations that Anna Hazare, whose fast entered the ninth day, will call it off after it is passed in the Lower House.

The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Hazare has thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "commitment" towars passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

"The country awaits a strong Lokpal," Hazare had said in a letter to Rahul.

Hazare's aide Suresh Pathare, meanwhile, told PTI today that the Gandhian's condition has deteriorated. "Anna has lost a lot of weight since the fast began on December 10," he said.

While Hazare praised the amended draft Lokpal bill passed in the Rajya Sabha, his one time protege Arvind Kejriwal has dismissed it as a "jokepal".

Hazare said, "I accept it completely. The Bill will help the poor people of this country."