In a rare show of unanimity, members cutting across party lines on Tuesday came together in the Rajya Sabha to pass the redrafted Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011, which provides for the formation of an anti-graft ombudsman.
Since several amendments were made to the original Bill incorporating the recommendations of the RS Select Committee, the amended Bill will have to go back to the Lok Sabha, which is expected to take it up for passing on Wednesday.
With the Samajwadi Party, which has been opposing the Lokpal Bill and stalling the proceedings, staging a walkout, the Bill had a smooth passage in the RS. Sources said it took a call from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for a peaceful debate on the Bill in the Upper House.
The support from all parties facilitated the Bill’s passage by a voice vote after the five-hour debate. Only Shiv Sena opposed the Bill. Though the Left moved an amendment to include the corporate sector, particularly firms based on the PPP model, the amendment was rejected by 151 votes against 19 votes.
Also read: