CPI wants lokpal bill to be distributed to parties

With the government deciding to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the draft lokpal bill, the CPI on Saturday said the entire proposed legislation should be distributed to the parties for a proper debate.

With the government deciding to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the draft lokpal bill, the CPI on Saturday said the entire proposed legislation should be distributed to the parties for a proper debate.

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"They should give us the entire draft bill, the one they are going to bring to Parliament. How can a proper discussion take place without it?", senior CPI leader D Raja asked.

"... This is not the way to consult political parties since the government is saying that they will discuss only one issue, whether to include Prime Minister (in the ambit of lokpal) or not," he said.

Raja, however, said there has been no formal communication as yet over whether an all-party meet would be convened.

"Once we get such a communication, we will definitely discuss within our party. We will also consult other Left parties and take a stand", he said.

HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday said "the government will seek the views of political parties on the draft bill before it goes to the cabinet. Whatever agreements or disagreements on the draft are there will be presented before parties".