'PM's post should not be under Lokpal Bill purview'

Vice President Shekhawat has opposed the inclusion of the post of PM under the purview of the bill to tackle corruption in higher office.

Opposing the inclusion of the post of Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption in higher offices, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has warned such a move could lead to "blackmailing" and affect the "independent functioning" of the head of government.

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"In my view, the institutions of Prime Minister and President are the very pivot of purity and sanctity of our democracy. Let us not create even an imaginary iota of doubt about the unimpeachable integrity of these high constitutional offices," he said.

"Bringing these offices within the ambit of the Lokpal Bill will be to concede the point that there could be complaints against them worth investigation by the Lokpal. And God forbid, if any such unfortunate situation were ever to arise, I am sure our Parliament, the supreme institution representing the people's will, can well be trusted to appropriately deal with it," he maintained.

"If the Prime Minister's post comes under the purview of Lokpal, it will lead to blackmailing. The Prime Minister has to address a number of matters. For any irregularity or violation of norms, the Prime Minister's role will come under scrutiny," he said.

"In this process, the Prime Minister cannot discharge his duty independently," he observed.

He said there were alternative methods like no-confidence motions that can be brought in Parliament in case of any "allegation of irregularity or violation of norms" against the Prime Minister.