PM calls all party meeting on Lokpal Bill

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called an all-party meeting hoping to arrive on a consensus on the Lokpal Bill issues. Prime Minister has call for the meeting to reach a consensus as all the parties have different view on the issues.

Demand for independence of the state Lokayuktas and the independence of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are bone of contention issues between govt. and social activists Anna Hazare team.

It is noted that Lok Pal Bill had created a lot of trouble for UPA govt. in past and Anna Hazare had earlier accused the UPA Government of playing with the sentiments of the people by continuously changing its stand on the Lokpal Bill. Last week Anna said that he was ready for an open debate on the anti-graft bill and he had also threatened the government that he would tour the country with an aim to make the people aware about the rampant corruption that is prevalent in the country.

The Rajya Sabha broke up for recess on December 29, 2011 without voting on the bill to create a Lokpal before the deadline set by Anna Hazare, who led a campaign for the measure. It could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the session for want of time, as there were a lot of amendments.

The opposition in the Rajya Sabha has asked the government to set a date for the discussion of the Bill and on amendments related to the Bill.

(With input from ANI)