Lokpal Bill: Kamal Nath, Narayanasamy meet Rahul Gandhi

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi met Union Ministers Kamal Nath and V. Narayanasamy to discuss the Lokpal Bill that is expected to has come up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha today.

"We just met Rahul Gandhi, decided that we must pass the Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha today," Kamal Nath told media here after meeting Gandhi.

"Rahulji has said that under all circumstances the Lokapl Bill must be passed in Parliament today," he added.

He also expressed the hope that the Samajwadi Party would back the legislation.

"Tried to persuade Samajwadi Party, hopeful they will reconsider their position and we will be able to pass Lokpal with consensus," he said.

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who has been on fast since December 10 to press for the passage of the Lokpal Bill, has written a letter to Rahul Gandhi on the need for passing the Lokpal Bill.

AICC in-charge of communication Ajay Maken said that Anna, in his letter, has appreciated Rahul Gandhi's commitment to fight against corruption.

Maken further said Rahul Gandhi has replied to Anna's letter and said that his government was committed to giving the nation a strong Lokpal Bill.

"Rahul Gandhiji has replied to Annaji thanking him, also mentioned that he is inspired by the latter's efforts to fight corruption," he added.

Hazare on Sunday said he believes the Lokpal Bill approved by the select committee of the Rajya Sabha is good and added that people who are against this bill, should also protest like him.

"All the 16 issues are important. It is true that we have compromised on the three issues, but the thirteen other issues are equally important. The bill is for the welfare of the people. I have had a look at the 13 issues, and then, I told the government that the bill that I welcome they have put forth,"

"I am obliged to the government to put forth the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Now everyone is saying that the first issue they will take up in the Rajya Sabha will be of the Lokpal bill. All the parties have agreed to it. In such a scenario, if a few people make a noise, it does not matter. If some people make a noise while passing the bill, let them do it. If they fall short of time, they can extend it. I believe it is a good Lokpal Bill," Anna said.

Over the past year, India has been transfixed by a campaign led by Anna Hazare to force the government to create an ombudsman, which would prosecute corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.

The proposed bill envisages the setting up of a national anti-corruption watchdog to check financial mismanagement and corrupt practices that have deeply pervaded several democratic and civic institutions of India.