Lokpal Bill passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the amended Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill after a walkout by the Samajwadi Party, the sole objector.

The bill, which promises to punish corruption by public servants, including the Prime Minister, met with hardly any resistance. However, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav protested saying the bill would deter ministers and bureaucrats from taking decisions for fear of investigation and action by the Lokpal.

The bill will now go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his approval before it becomes law.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said that the Lokpal Bill alone is not enough to fight corruption.

"It is the responsibility of the 15th Lok Sabha to approve all six anti-corruption bills. Lokpal Bill alone is not enough to fight corruption. I request for extension of the session. Need to pass the Judicial Accountability Bill, the Whistle Blowers Bill," said Gandhi.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said that the BJP is happy that Rajya Sabha has sent a strong Bill.

“There has been a fight to take the credit for Lokpal Bill. It's Anna Hazare who should get the credit for this Bill. Anna has been fasting for a strong Lokpal Bill. It is the people of India who should be given the credit," Swaraj said.

Social activist Anna Hazare broke his fast after nine days on Wednesday after the Lok Sabha passed the Bill.

On Tuesday, the Rajya Sabha passed the amended Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill amid a spirit of bonhomie between the government and Opposition benches.