Lokpal Bill: Congress hails Rahul's "key role", promises more

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2013, was passed in Lok Sabha today by voice vote amid some din in the House. The Bill had once before been passed by the Lower House in December, 2011, but was returned for a fresh vote following amendments.  Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill yesterday.  

The measure received support from all parties excepting Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena, whose MPs staged a walkout.  Batting for the Bill, Rahul had also suggested that the Winter Session be extended to pass the six more bills which were “part of the comprehensive anti-corruption framework”.  However, the Houses were adjourned sine die upon passage of the Bill.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, meanwhile, has indicated that, instead of going in for a budget session next year, Parliament could be reconvened in the new year for passage of the vote-on-account ahead of general elections.  He insisted that the winter session has not been prorogued but adjourned sine die and hence could be convened at short notice.

He said that legislation like the Whistle Blowers' Bill and Delivery of Services Bill, which are part of the same basket which would give strength to the Lokpal, too, needed to be passed.