Wednesday 18 December 2013

Lok Sabha passes Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare ends fast

The Parliament on Wednesday passed the historic Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill that provides for formation of anti-graft ombudsman.



The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, was passed on Wednesday amid din in the Lok Sabha after amendments to the legislation were adopted by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare broke his nine-day fast shortly after Lok Sabha passed the Lokpal Bill. Even Gandhian activist Anna Hazare's supporters lustily cheered as the Lok Sabha passed the much-anticipated Lokpal Bill.  

"First time in India, a law is being created to control corruption. Though corruption cannot be eradicated 100 per cent, at least it will have a 50 per cent effect to check graft," Hazare declared, as he prepared to break his hunger strike that he began on December 10.

"On behalf of the people of the country, the citizens of Ralegan Siddhi and all others who took part in the agitation, I thank the authorities for passing the bill," Hazare said, addressing a large crowd of supporters shortly after the Lok Sabha passed the legislation cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The 76-year-old Gandhian termed the Lokpal Bill as an historic legislation. He further added, Lokpal Bill is the reflection of people's aspiration.

Looking a bit frail yet brimming with enthusiasm after the landmark bill was passed by the Lok Sabha, Hazare thanked all parties, barring Samajwadi Party, for their support, but obliquely criticised his former proteges in the Aam Aadmi Party, his fellow travellers in the Jan Lokpal movement, who have dubbed the new legislation as "Jokepal" bill.

"The law will be meaningless unless it is implemented and enforced properly. I will constitute watchdog bodies at all levels...in states, districts everywhere.

"These bodies having retired judges, state police chiefs and others with impeccable integrity will keep vigilance on how the law is implemented. Only then the people will benefit from this law," he said.

Hazare, who thanked everybody, from MPs to political parties, Rajya Sabha's Select Committee, to policemen at his fast venue, the 'pandalwala' to the doctors who looked after him during the hunger strike, his fourth for Lokpal, chose not to make any mention of Arvind Kejriwal and others from the AAP, who played a role in building the movement.

"Other than the Samajwadi Party, I salute all MPs who helped pass the bill," the Gandhian said. 

Samajwadi Party members opposing the bill, staged a walk-out in protest, as their counterparts from other parties, including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, supported the measure.

Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj targeted the Congress as she criticised attempts to take credit for pushing the historic bill.

"If at all anybody should be given credit for the bill, it is the old man who has been fasting (Anna Hazare)", she said.

From the treasury benches, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi urged all parties to pass the bill. "We have the chance to make history."

Highlights:

01:55 pm: Anna Hazare called off his hunger strike on Wednesday after Lok Sabha passed the historic Lokpal Bill.

01:36 pm: India has finaly got its national Ombudsman: Kiran Bedi.

01:28 pm: I appeal to all citizens to donate Rs.5 each, says Anna.

01: 23 pm: I thank everyone who supported our movement and donated generously: Anna.

01:24 pm: Lokpal Bill will now be sent to President for his assent.

01:19 pm: Lokpal Bill is the reflection of people's aspiration.

01: 18 pm: The Bill will bring down corruption to 40-50 per cent if not 100 per cent: Anna.

01:17 pm: All parties supported this Bill for the benefit of the society: Anna

01:14 pm: I thank Parliament for passing the Lokpal Bill, says Anna.

01:12 pm: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare thanks everyone for the passage of Lokpal Bill.

01:11 pm: This is a historic legislation, says Anna Hazare.

12: 55 pm: Team Anna celebrates passage of Lokpal Bill.

12:34 pm: It's a deal between BJP and Congress, says Mulayam.

Govt officers will shy away from taking decisions: Mulayam.

12: 25 pm : Lok Sabha should unite in passing of Lokpal Bill: Rahul Gandhi.

Passage of Lokpal only a small step in fighting corruption, says Rahul








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