Himachal's Lokayukta Bill is weak: Kejriwal

Attacking on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led - Himachal Pradesh government which has recently drafted a Lokayukta bill to add more teeth to the anti-graft body, team Anna member and RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal has slammed the government for drafting 'powerless' Lokayukta bill.

Kejriwal while addressing media persons at his Kaushambi residence said, "The entire law has been drafted in such a way that the ultimate control would be in the hands of the state government or the chief minister or the legislative assembly which is dominated by the party in majority. "

He accused the draftsmen of the bill for protecting the government and its party leaders from the claw of Lokayukta.

"A lot of protection is given to the corrupt people as there is a provision of seeking permission every time from the state government which won't happen due to conflict of interests hence enabling a shield for those involved in graft," he said.

Kejriwal also expressed disappointment over the latest statement of BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi saying that the outfit is not bound to entertain advice from a non- government organisation (NGO).

"This shows their utter contempt to the people of this country, the people of this country are supreme and we are ordinary people of this country. So why have they asked for suggestions on their websites if they don't want any?," said Kejriwal.

Himachal Pradesh government has drafted a Lokayukta bill 2012 in which it has added two more two more members besides an independent investigating agency. But, before taking any action against any politician, Lokayukta will have to seek the permission of state government.

--With ANI Input--