CBI splits parties at Lok Pal meeting

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s plea at an all-party meeting on Wednesday evening for a “consensus” on the Lok Pal Bill went unheeded.

The BJP and the opposition parties were firm on their stand of making the appointment of the CBI director independent. The government is against bringing the agency under the Lok Pal. But agreed to include the Prime Minister under the Lok Pal, with certain safeguards. The BJP and Left parties want the appointment of the CBI director to be made by a three-member panel of the Prime Minister, the Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Lok Pal.

Some opposition parties suggested that the CVC, instead of Lok Pal, be part of the panel.

“I am personally keen that this momentous legislation should be passed on the basis of consensus among all parties as far as possible and that this should not be subjected to party politics in any way,” said Singh, asking for “guidance and cooperation” from opposition parties.

“The government is also keen that we must make all efforts to pass a Lok Pal Bill in this very session that is based on consensus and that is driven by Parliament as the custodian of legislation.” The Left and the BJP differed on the issue of including Group-C employees under the Lok Pal. The Left parties are not for having the group under the Lok Pal, fearing it could lead to overburdening of the authority. The meeting was called to evolve a consensus before Anna Hazare relaunches his agitation on December 27.