NEW DELHI, Feb 14:
Congress and BJP today questioned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi Government’s “hasty” move to push for passage of Jan Lokpal Bill in the Assembly and said the legislation needs to be brought through proper procedure.
Maintaining that they were not against any steps for eradication of corruption from the country, BJP and Congress leaders targeted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for running away from discussion on alleged corruption charges against Law Minister Somnath Bharti.
“We are not against Jan Lokpal Bill. If they want to make Jan Lokpal as law then they should bring in the Bill as per laid down procedure. We will support any bill which is brought through in accordance with laid down rules,” Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Arvinder Singh Lovely told reporters here.
The Congress will give support to AAP on Jan Lokpal Bill if they bring it in accordance with law, he said and opposed the present procedure being adopted by Kejriwal Government for the introduction of the Bill in the Assembly.
“This Government is running away from the issue of corruption. Congress will continue to push for its demand, seeking discussion on corruption charges against Somnath Bharti. The issue of Somnath Bharti is a sensitive issue. They are running away from this issue also,” he said, adding that the Congress is ready to go on roads against Bharti.
Asked about his party’s strategy when the Jan Lokpal Bill will be brought in the Assembly, Singh said, “It will be decided on the floor of the House”.
He said a letter has been written today by him to Kejriwal, pledging his party’s support to AAP on the basis of 18 points agenda by the Delhi Chief Minister.
Delhi BJP leader Harshavardhan said he would give support to Jan Lokpal Bill if it is brought following proper rules.
“We are for eradicating corruption from the country. There is no question of opposing any anti-corruption bill. It should be brought in following laid down rules,” he said and questioned “hasty” move by Kejriwal.
Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today advised the Delhi Assembly Speaker against allowing tabling of the Jan Lokpal Bill by the Aam Aadmi Party Government.
However, AAP maintained that it will not “revisit” the issue.
Protest by Congress and BJP MLAs, seeking discussion against Bharti yesterday had marred the first day of the Assembly session.
Bharti has been in the eye of the storm for carrying out controversial midnight raid last month in South Delhi’s Khirki Extension area, alleging drug trafficking and sex racket by some of African nationals living there.
The four-day assembly session has been called by Delhi Government for passing of contentious Jan Lokpal and Swaraj Bills.
Kejriwal had last night renewed his threat of resigning if the proposed legislation was defeated by Congress and BJP. (PTI)
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