Jaipur, Dec 18 : Favouring a strong Lokpal Bill, Congress on Saturday claimed it was the party's idea for creating the anti-corruption ombudsman even before Anna Hazare's agitation on the issue.
“Congress has a firm stand over the issue. The party is in favour of a strong Lokpal bill,” party general secretary and media in-charge Janardan Dwivedi told reporters here.
“There has to be wide acceptance on issues like Lokpal which are of national importance, and decision on such issues in democracy is taken by Parliament. Congress is not rigid on any issue and asking for consensus on the issue,” he said.
It was Congress' thought of bringing a strong Lokpal prior to Hazare's agitation, he claimed. On FDI in retail sector, Dwivedi said the government took the decision after lot of thinking, but it was put on hold following negative reactions from various quarters. However, he added, it does not mean that the idea of FDI was wrong.
“FDI has many benefits for both farmers and consumers. It should have some safeguard and conditions so that interests of farmers and consumers are not neglected...if the decision is implemented with such safeguards then there should be no objection,” he said.
The Congress leader, when asked, said that Rahul Gandhi has to decide as to when he will take charge of the party.
