New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The formation of Lokayuktas in states under the Lokpal bill emerged as a major sticking point in the Rajya Sabha Thursday, with not just the opposition but even the government’s allies rejecting the provision as an attack on the federal structure.
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s ally Trinamool Congress demanded deletion of the entire chapter on Lokayuktas, while main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Left and other parties came up with suggestions for not making it mandatory.
Another ally, DMK, while making clear it will not move any amendment, said the provision was an attack on the country’s federal structure.
‘Some people here asked why we are not bringing any amendments,’ party leader Tiruchi Siva said, referring to Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley. ‘We want to register our views and we are strong in our views.’
Joining the league were parties like the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP).
‘You can’t say that we have safeguarded the provision, and so now parliament can make a law on state subject,’ BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra said.
The Samajwadi party’s Ramgopal Yadav also voiced for independence of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury suggested a clause to give states a time of six months, and optional guidelines for creating the Lokayukta.
The BJP, meanwhile, said the provision for formation of Lokayuktas should be brought under Article 252 of the Constitution, while the government has brought it under Article 253.
Article 253 gives parliament power to constitute laws on state subject if it is needed for implementing any international treaty or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body.
India is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Corruption.
Article 252 makes provision for parliament to legislate for states on the request of two or more states and by their consent, and adoption of such a legislation by any other state.
According to official sources, more than 170 amendments have been moved in the Rajya Sabha to the Lokpal bill by various parties.
