SP opposed to lokpal bill, govt assures it will be passed

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ramgopal Yadav on Monday said the outfit was opposed to the lokpal bill, adding they would disrupt Parliament if the need arose.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ramgopal Yadav on Monday said the outfit was opposed to the lokpal bill, adding they would disrupt Parliament if the need arose.

“We totally oppose the lokpal bill. If such a bill is introduced… the whole country’s decision making power will come to a standstill,” Yadav said.

“I never assured that we will not disrupt Parliament. If there is a need, we will definitely disrupt the House,” he added.

Meanwhile, parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath assured that the lokpal bill will be passed in the current session of Parliament, even if it means extending the session.

“The bill is our priority and, if we have to pass it, we have to extend the session, then, we will definitely do it. We can have a discussion on it till midnight and can then pass it,” Nath said.

Nath said the government was building a consensus on the bill, and was requesting all parties to support it.

“We are requesting everybody to support the bill, as it is the necessity of the country at the moment. The bill should be passed as soon as possible. All parties are supporting the bill barring one or two, who have reservations on it. But I am sure, we will be able to pass it,” he said.

“We are confident that the public will appreciate our draft of the bill, as Anna Hazare has praised it. But the people who want to politicise the issue are pointing out some flaws. But right now, it is a big step for the country,” he said in a veiled attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is opposed to the bill.