Congress must not take credit for progress of Lokpal Bill: Arun Jaitley

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley said Saturday that the Congress Party is trying very hard, but must not claim credit for the passing the Lokpal Bill.

Rather, he said, it should accept culpability for delaying its passage through Parliament.

"The Congress Party has tried a lot to take the credit for the passing of the Bill. They have taken this decision only because they are helpless and have no other choice. It is the only reason why, the Congress who was against the passing of this Bill at one point of time are willing to give full support to it presently," said Jaitley.

He said that the government seemed to have changed its take on the Lokpal Bill again.

"In the last two to three years, the government has tried to obstruct the passing of the bill in many ways. In the first instance, they held meetings with Team Anna and created a stalemate. In the second instance, they brought a government-controlled Lokpal before the Lok Sabha and passed it by a brute majority," he said.

"The BJP disagreed with this, and in the third instance, when we tried to improve the bill in the Rajya Sabha, they got the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha adjourned, so that, a better bill was not passed," he added.

Furthermore, he said he wanted the bill to be passed on Monday under all circumstances.

"I just have a message for the Congress Party. Don't get proceedings disturbed through your allies and supporting parties. Lets pass this Bill on Monday. It will be better if discussions are held.

"But, if any your supporting parties disturb the proceedings, the BJP is prepared to pass it even without a discussion, as recommended by the select committee," he added.