Final version of Lokpal vastly improved: Agnivesh

Social activist Swami Agnivesh today said the final draft on Lokpal emerging from the Parliamentary panel was a "vast improvement" on the original bill and left little scope for any confrontation.

Social activist Swami Agnivesh on Wednesday said the final draft on Lokpal emerging from the Parliamentary panel was a "vast improvement" on the original bill and left little scope for any confrontation.

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He also dismissed Anna Hazare's suggestion that the draft report has cheated the civil society and said he will not support the social activist during his proposed agitation next month.

"I will not be there", Agnivesh, who has fallen out with Team Anna, told reporters here when asked if he would join Hazare during his agitation in New Delhi on December 11.

"The final draft emerging from the Parliamentary Standing Committee bears stamp of collective wisdom of all major political parties and that of numerous depositions made by citizens group. It is, therefore, a vast improvement on the original draft introduced by the government.

He said Prime Minister's inclusion will raise the "credibility of Lokpal" and hoped the remaining deliberations of the panel would help sort out the issue.

"It would be unfair not to include the Prime Minister under Lokpal especially at a time when UPA is talking about his impeccable integrity. If he is excluded and other council of ministers are included, a constitutional amendment will be required because everyone is equal under the Constitution," he said.

"But as of now, I am optimistic about the outcome of the standing committee and believe no confrontation like situation will arise. This is an improved version of Lokpal," he said.

The social activist also welcomed the inclusion of NGOs, media and corporate under Lokpal and giving it a constitutional status as per the wishes of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.