Govt: No changes in Lokpal panel
The government on Saturday made it clear that there would be no change in the composition of the joint Lokpal bill drafting committee in the wake of a demand for a “dalit” representation made by UP chief minister Mayawati, even as she got the backing of AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh.
The ruling Congress, however, for its part distanced itself from the issue saying the party has nothing do with it as “these are matters for the government and the committee to decide on”.
Rejecting the suggestion made by Ms Mayawai for inclusion of a dalit in the panel, Union minister Salman Khurshid, who is also a member of the joint committee, said, “There is no question of changing the committee members.”
The minister, while insisting on the continuation of the present members, said, “We should trust the 10 members. Let them present their product... We should give them a chance. After the product comes out, we can see and examine it and put forth our objections if any.” Clarifying the intention of the committee, Mr Khurshid insisted that he, along with other nine members, is “concerned about forming a good bill... We will not be distracted by any controversies or claims outside the committee.”
Meanwhile, Mr Singh, justifying Ms Mayawati’s demand for a Scheduled Caste representation in the panel, said, “The demand is valid.” Moreover, placing on record the party line on the issue of dalit representation in the panel, AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, “These are matters for the government and the committee to decide and it is not for the party to comment on it. As of now, there is no change about the committee and therefore, there is no scope for any speculation.”
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