Amidst the issue of Anna Hazare’s fast against corruption spiralling out of control on Friday, it was decided that Parliament will debate Lokpal Bill on August 27. Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pawan Kumar Bansal said that a session of Parliament has been called on Saturday.
BJP moved a motion in both houses of Parliament for voting on the Lokpal issue after discussion.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj moved a motion under Rule 184 which ensures a vote after debate. And Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley too moved a motion under Rule 168 which also requires voting.
Final decision on the admissibility of the same will be taken by the Speaker.
With the BJP wanting a vote on the Lokpal debate, the issue in Parliament seems to have become political.
Earlier today, a notice was been given by three Congress MPs for discussion on the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament. The notice was given by Sanjay Nirupam, Jagdambika Pal and Renu Tandon under Rule 193.
Rule 193 does not entail voting after discussion. After discussion on the matter, the minister concerned gives a reply.
Meanwhile, while addressing the media on Friday morning, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pawan Kumar Bansal, had said that no one had given notice on discussion on the bill and as the debate was not listed in the business, it was being reported that the discussion may not take place today.
Nonetheless, he had clarified that the debate will definitely take place, only that the time had not been decided as yet.
On being questioned about Anna’s health, Bansal had said that they were all concerned about his well being and can only hope that he breaks his fast.
“The Prime Minister made an appeal to Anna yesterday to break his fast, the Leader of the Opposition also did the same. Even the honourable Speaker stood up and appealed to Anna. What more can parliamentarians do?”, he asked.
According to reports Team Anna’s meeting with the BJP leaders yesterday night to garner support may have upset the government. Pawan Kumar Bansal met with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today in the morning.
Law Minister Salman Khurshid had also refused to comment on the issue earlier in the day.
