Kumar Viswas refutes Katju's claim over Lokpal

New Delhi, Apr 1 (ANI): Team Anna member Kumar Viswas on Sunday downplayed the contention of Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Markandey Katju, who noted that the Lokpal body suggested by the civil society members could turn 'Frankenstein monster' and even double or triple corruption in the country.

Viswas said he disagreed with Katju's assertion because millions of people came out on the street and they have been fighting for more than 40 years for enactment of the law.

"It is his personal opinion. Millions of people came out on the streets to support Jan Lokpal bill, more than 15 interaction sessions, small or big, were held in the last 2 to 3 years to discuss it. If Markandey Katju is such as scholarly person or repository of all the wisdom then I disagree with him as a common citizen, as a person and as a social activist," Viswas told ANI in New Delhi.

Viswas added that a strong and an effective ombudsman body would combat corruption in this country on a large scale.

"I think more or less the county's opinion is that a strong and effective Jan Lokpal, is implemented, would control corruption on a large scale," added Viswas.

He urged Katju to discuss the intricacies of the bill with team Anna members.

"We requested him if he has time, because he is busy giving advise to people and order, if he has time, he should inform and we would explain the intricacies of the Jan Lokpal bill to him. We will try to remove his misgiving," said Viswas.

Katju had urged parliament to refer the bill to a committee for further consideration to create workable anti-graft investigation machinery.

Katju had earlier said that creation of the Lokpal and its implications had not been rationally thought out.

He had further said that problems of corruption will not be solved by shouting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' or 'Inquilaab Zindadbad' from Jantar Mantar or Ram Lila ground. (ANI)