Lokpal Bill still possible, says Didi

KOLKATA: Lokpal Bill is still possible, said West Bengal Chief Minister and TC Chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday in Kolkata. “We think that Lokpal should be made on the basis of consensus

KOLKATA: Lokpal Bill is still possible, said West Bengal Chief Minister and TC Chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday in Kolkata.

“We think that Lokpal should be made on the basis of consensus and that the Centre should talk to all parties in this regard. I think it is still possible as all parties support the Lokpal. But let it be left to states to decide what model they should choose for the Lokayuktas,” said Mamata Banerjee.

The TC had supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha when it had changed its stance before the Bill was to be placed in the Rajya Sabha, thereby putting the UPA Government on the mat.

Mamata added that the Centre had promised necessary amendments to the Lokpal Bill to incorporate the TC’s views.

“But when the Bill came, it was found that it left the option open to the states to set up Lokayuktas, but, on the model determined by the Centre. I want to set up Lokayukta but what if I do not follow the central model? What if we can set up a better model of Lokayukta?” asked Mamata.

While Mamata rebuffed rumours of having brokered a ‘deal’ with the Congress citing her practice of ‘transparent politics’, the CPM criticised the state government for failing to appoint a Lokayukta.

 The Left Front Government at least constituted a Lokayukta and even the current government should follow the law and do so, Opposition Leader Surjya Kanta Mishra said.

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