Constitutional status for Lok Pal 'ultimate destination': Congress

Dismissing suggestions that Rahul Gandhi's idea of giving constitutional status to Lok Pal Bill was a delaying tactic by the Congress, the ruling party made it clear that it was for the collective wisdom of the Standing Committee and Parliament to accept the proposal.

"Party supports Rahul Gandhi's idea. Incorporating it in the Bill will not take much time nor involve any technicalities," Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters here.

He said that only one line proposal of including the Lok Pal in the list of institutions having Constitutional status needed to be added in the proposed Bill if Parliament agreed.

"It is for the collective wisdom of the Standing Committee and the Parliament to accept it," Dwivedi added.

Echoing similar views, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said at the AICC briefing that giving constitutional status will be the "ultimate destination" but that does not prevent Lok Pal to be a statutory body for the time being.

It asserted that Congress has made its stand clear through Gandhi that it would like Lok Pal to be even more stronger in the shape of a constitutional body.

He dismissed opposition allegation that Gandhi's idea was a tactic to delay the process.

Asked whether Gandhi's suggestion would be considered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee which is headed by him, Singhvi said that all kinds of suggestions and views are important for standing committee and they will look into them with equal importance.

He said Congress has resolved to enact a strong Lok Pal legislation and Gandhi has expressed the resolve for even a "more elevated" body by giving it a constitutional status which is "our ultimate endeavour".