CPI(M) questions UPA govt's intention on Lokpal Bill

"We seriously doubt the Congress and the UPA government's intention to frame a tough Lokpal bill to sternly deal with corruption due the manner in which it has given a go by to two key recommendations by a Parliamentary select committee in the draft approved by the cabinet," CPI(M) Politburo member and former MP Brinda Karat told reporters.

The government neither wants to give autonomy to the Lokpal nor does it want to let go its control over CBI, she said and wondered how the anti-corruption watchdog would discharge its duty without freedom.

CPI-M will take a stand of the Lokpal bill only when it comes before Parliament, Karat said.

The CPI(M) leader also criticised the UPA government for not taking cognizance of her party's demand to bring PPP projects under the ambit of the Lokpal in view of the use of national resources in such projects.

Not only PPP projects, but corporates also should be covered under the anti-corruption watchdog, she said.