13 years ago
Hope the Lokpal Bill comes up in Budget Session: Salman KhurshidThe Law Minister says that the government is committed to the Lokpal Bill and will bring it back to the House.
If Govt needed more time, they should have asked us: YechuryThe CPM leader slams the government, says Parliament is free to decide how long it wants to function.
Lalu Prasad Yadav: BJP wasted time. It is wrong to say that my party created chaos.
Arun Jaitley: This was the biggest fraud on democracy.
Team Anna's Kiran Bedi: You cannot trust this government.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal: The session could not have been extended at the last minute...The government is committed...The Lokpal Bill will come up in the Budget Session.
Law Minister Salman Khurshid: The government did not run away from a vote, the Bill remains alive.
Trinamool Congress: It's a shame, it's a sad day for democracy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has refused to comment. He was in the Rajya Sabha when it was adjourned sine die amid chaos.
BJP: The government is in minority, it has lost all moral authority to remain in power...The PM must resign.
It is a dark night for Indian democracy.
- Sushma Swaraj(@SushmaSwarajBJP) December 29, 2011
Today democracy has been disrobed in Rajya Sabha. The Prime Minister and Shri Pranab Mukherjee witnessed this as silent spectators
- Sushma Swaraj(@SushmaSwarajBJP) December 29, 2011
They were party to this ugly drama. This conspiracy was hatched under their directions.
- Sushma Swaraj(@SushmaSwarajBJP) December 29, 2011
The country will never pardon them for this crime against democracy.
- Sushma Swaraj(@SushmaSwarajBJP) December 29, 2011
They were party to this ugly drama. This conspiracy was hatched under their directions.
- Sushma Swaraj(@SushmaSwarajBJP) December 29, 2011
THE LOKPAL BILL HAS NOT BEEN PASSED IN THE WINTER SESSION OF PARLIAMENT.
At the stroke of midnight, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned sine die. Without a Lokpal vote.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said, "An unprecedented situation has arisen. There appears to be a desire to out-shout each other. There is a total impasse. The House cannot be conducted in this noise...I am afraid that with such noise, we all had better go home."
And announced the National Song.
And announced the National Song.
The government is loud in its protest. "There are 187 amendments, some of them contrary," says Mr Bansal, adding that the government is committed to holding a vote on the Lokpal Bill. Only later.
Sitaram Yechury has added his voice to the BJP's. "Let us sit for as long as it takes to pass this Bill," says Mr Yechury, in echo of Mr Jaitley's appeal to the Chairman to extend House.
Sitaram Yechury to the government: We want a strong Lokpal. Is there a plan?
Sitaram Yechury to the government: We want a strong Lokpal. Is there a plan?
Arun Jaitley: The government choreographed this chaos.
Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition: It is ironical that today I speak for the majority and the government is running away because it is in a hopeless minority. A government which did not have the numbers in the House has consciously choreographed this drama so that the debate is not concluded. If a government wants to run away from passing such an important Bill then they have no right to rule in this country. My appeal is that the House will decide till when to sit, not the government.
It's final. There will be no Lokpal Bill in the winter session of Parliament.
Pawan Kumar Bansal: Delay in discussion because the Opposition moved amendments late.
The Rajya Sabha has reconvened and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal is now making a statement on what happens next with midnight looming.
The BJP's Arun Jaitley has said: We are ready to sit the whole night.
Mr Bansal says all the over 100 amendments moved need thorough discussion.
The BJP's Arun Jaitley has said: We are ready to sit the whole night.
Mr Bansal says all the over 100 amendments moved need thorough discussion.
The House was adjourned after the SP, RJD and the created chaos.
The BJP has cried foul at the disruption of House proceedings. It alleges that the chaos is a Congress conspiracy to avoid the vote.
So has the Trinamool Congress, which says it wants a discussion and vote on the amendments it has sought.
The BJP has cried foul at the disruption of House proceedings. It alleges that the chaos is a Congress conspiracy to avoid the vote.
So has the Trinamool Congress, which says it wants a discussion and vote on the amendments it has sought.
There were reports earlier this evening that the government was aiming at chaos in the hope of dodging a vote. If a vote has to take place, it must occur before midnight when this session of Parliament expires. If the deadline is missed, President Pratibha Patil will have to sanction an extension.
House will reconvene with less than 20 minutes left to midnight.
House will reconvene with less than 20 minutes left to midnight.
Amid much chaos, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for 15 minutes.
Sitaram Yechury has asked the question on many minds: What will happen at 12 midnight, when the calendar date December 29, 2011, comes to an end, and with it the three-day extension of the Winter Session of Parliament.
Chairman Hamid Ansari answered: "We will finish before midnight."
But with less than 40 minutes to midnight, Mr Narayanasamy is still replying to the debate, hoarse now as he tries to make himself heard over the din. For chaos continues in the Rajya Sabha.
Chairman Hamid Ansari answered: "We will finish before midnight."
But with less than 40 minutes to midnight, Mr Narayanasamy is still replying to the debate, hoarse now as he tries to make himself heard over the din. For chaos continues in the Rajya Sabha.
More chaos in the Rajya Sabha. There are whispers - is it part of the strategy? Is the government trying to avoid a vote?
The RJD's Rajniti Prasad is still not at his seat despite repeated requests from the Chair.
And the Samajwadi Party has suggested that a "majority of the House thinks the Bill is useless, take it back."
Will there be a vote in the Rajya Sabha tonight? Exactly 12 hours ago, Mr Narayanasamy was standing in House tabling the Lokpal Bill. He is now standing in House replying to the debate. It is still not clear what will happen next.
Rajniti Prasad of Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD, the last speaker in the Rajya Sabha debate, suggested that there be no vote on the Lokpal Bill, and that it should in fact be withdrawn.
Mr Prasad then walked up to the seat of Minister of state in the PMO V Narayanasamy, who is replying to the debate, and raised slogans of "withdraw the Lokpal Bill".
Mr Prasad then tore paper and threw the pieces in the Well of the House.
Mr Prasad then walked up to the seat of Minister of state in the PMO V Narayanasamy, who is replying to the debate, and raised slogans of "withdraw the Lokpal Bill".
Mr Prasad then tore paper and threw the pieces in the Well of the House.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari played host at dinner tonight, not just to the 243 MPs hard at work, but also to Parliament staff and journalists covering proceedings in the House, which is still debating the Lokpal Bill, almost 12 hours after it convened this morning.
Mayawati has ordered her 18 MPs to be present in the House for the vote. Will the BSP be the game-changer?
Ram Vilas Paswan of the LJP is speaking now, hitting out at Team Anna and raising a number of objections to the Lokpal Bill. Mr Paswan was a member of the standing committee that drafted a version of the Bill.
All Congress MPs are now in the Rajya Sabha. Including the Prime Minister, who is the Leader of the House.
Many more speakers yet to speak in the Rajya Sabha. This is the last day of the extended winter session of Parliament. So if the debate goes on beyond midnight, the President's nod will be needed to carry on.
For those counting, there are 20 more speakers waiting to make speeches in the Rajya Sabha tonight.
And in this saga of twists and turns, the Trinamool Congress shrugs and says it has no information that the government it partners is offering to accept the amendments it is seeking as official changes.
But wait. The BJP might have plans of its own. Sources say that the BJP will fight the government's attempts to avoid a vote.
Sources say the BJP is gearing up to push for a vote on the floor of the House. It is said to be confident of a majority and, sources say, the main opposition party will push for passing an amended Bill.
Sources say the BJP is gearing up to push for a vote on the floor of the House. It is said to be confident of a majority and, sources say, the main opposition party will push for passing an amended Bill.
So what happen's next?
If the government can build a broad consensus around dropping the Lokayukta references in the Lokpal Bill, it can push for the Bill with its amendment to be passed without division - through a voice vote. Rajya Sabha would then have passed a different Bill and it will have to go back to the Lok Sabha for endorsement. Debate will begin all over again whenever that happens.
If the government can build a broad consensus around dropping the Lokayukta references in the Lokpal Bill, it can push for the Bill with its amendment to be passed without division - through a voice vote. Rajya Sabha would then have passed a different Bill and it will have to go back to the Lok Sabha for endorsement. Debate will begin all over again whenever that happens.
As Rajya Sabha debates the Lokpal Bill, we have reported that Congress' troubleshooter Pranab Mukherjee has held a series of meetings with different regional parties like the BSP and the RJD.
Sources now confirm that Mr Mukherjee offered at these meetings that the word Lokayukta would be removed from the name of the Bill and the Lokayukta clauses would be deleted - the two demands of Mamata Banerjee.
The government, sources say, has offered moving an amendment with the deletion. And it hopes the regional players will come around.
Sources now confirm that Mr Mukherjee offered at these meetings that the word Lokayukta would be removed from the name of the Bill and the Lokayukta clauses would be deleted - the two demands of Mamata Banerjee.
The government, sources say, has offered moving an amendment with the deletion. And it hopes the regional players will come around.
Fiery exchange in the Rajya Sabha between the opposition and treasury benches. Ram Jethmalani of the BJP challenged the government on black money; the Congress objected to him making certain comments. And also accused him of a conflict of interest.
News coming in: Sources say Mamata Banerjee might have prevailed again. The government has reportedly decided to accept two amendments sought by her.
The government is holding discussions with different parties on dropping the Lokayukta clauses. If there is consensus, an amended Bill will be moved without those clauses.
Which would again mean that the Rajya Sabha will be passing a different Bill and the change will need the Lok Sabha's endorsement. The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die this afternoon.
So no Lokpal this session anyway?
The government is holding discussions with different parties on dropping the Lokayukta clauses. If there is consensus, an amended Bill will be moved without those clauses.
Which would again mean that the Rajya Sabha will be passing a different Bill and the change will need the Lok Sabha's endorsement. The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die this afternoon.
So no Lokpal this session anyway?
Lalu Prasad Yadav has emerged from a meeting with Pranab Mukherjee to say that his party will vote against the lokayukta clauses in the Lokpal Bill.
Importantly, another party that says that it will not walk out today to bail out the government like it did in the Lok Sabha.
Importantly, another party that says that it will not walk out today to bail out the government like it did in the Lok Sabha.
A Congress core group meeting has ended. Consultations are on with allies; Pranab Mukherjee is also talking to parties like the BSP and RJD.
The BSP's Satish Chandra Misra has just met Mr Mukherjee and Parliamentray Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Is this the government's last-ditch effort to get the BSP's 18 MPs on its side?
Mayawati's party has only said for now that it will not walk out before a vote in the Rajya Sabha as it did in the Lok Sabha.
The BSP's Satish Chandra Misra has just met Mr Mukherjee and Parliamentray Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Is this the government's last-ditch effort to get the BSP's 18 MPs on its side?
Mayawati's party has only said for now that it will not walk out before a vote in the Rajya Sabha as it did in the Lok Sabha.
While on numbers, 173 amendments have been moved on the Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
The Trinamool's Sukhendu Shekhar Roy is speaking in the Rajya Sabha now opposing the Lokpal Bill "with respect to the provision on setting up of Lokayuktas." The Bill, says the Elder, seeks to encroach upon the authority of states, which the party is opposed to. "Bringing
Lokayuktas under the Bill may be unconstitutional...it is certainly anti-federal," he says.
The Trinamool has stressed that it is with the government of which it is a part at the Centre. It has problems only with that provision in the Bill. "That is why we didn't join Anna Hazare," says the party.
The Trinamool has stressed that it is with the government of which it is a part at the Centre. It has problems only with that provision in the Bill. "That is why we didn't join Anna Hazare," says the party.
The Congress is taking the high moral ground. "Hope sense prevails on the opposition and they allow the Lokpal Bill to pass," said spokesman Manish Tiwari. This was a test of the Opposition's intent, he said. "Pass the Bill," Mr Tiwari exhorted, "shortcomings in it can be dealt with later."
So will there be a Lokpal Act at the end of this session? Unlikely and here is why:
Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool is clear it will press for division on her two amendments to safeguard the autonomy of states. There are all indications that the SP and the RJD will support her. The BJP is already on the federal side of the argument. So is the BJD. The BSP, with 18 MPs, spoke today to defend federal autonomy. The Left, archrivals of Mamata, spoke for the autonomy of states too.
The Trinamool says it will support the rest of the Bill. But if these two amendments get a thumbs up from the Rajya Sabha, even if the Lokpal Bill is passed, the changes need the Lok Sabha's endorsement. The Lok Sabha's winter session ended this afternoon. It's over to the next session.
The government's other option is to avoid a vote and send the Bill to a select committee of parliament.
Either way, no Lokpal.
Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool is clear it will press for division on her two amendments to safeguard the autonomy of states. There are all indications that the SP and the RJD will support her. The BJP is already on the federal side of the argument. So is the BJD. The BSP, with 18 MPs, spoke today to defend federal autonomy. The Left, archrivals of Mamata, spoke for the autonomy of states too.
The Trinamool says it will support the rest of the Bill. But if these two amendments get a thumbs up from the Rajya Sabha, even if the Lokpal Bill is passed, the changes need the Lok Sabha's endorsement. The Lok Sabha's winter session ended this afternoon. It's over to the next session.
The government's other option is to avoid a vote and send the Bill to a select committee of parliament.
Either way, no Lokpal.
For those who want to know what those 14 pages are that Mamata Banerjee wants deleted, here's a link to a copy of the Lokpal Bill. Clauses 63 to 97 deal with Lokayuktas.
News just in: Sources say Mamata Banerjee has spoken to each of her six Rajya Sabha MPs separately to instruct them to stick to her game plan. Which is: Press for division or vote on two amendments that the Trinamool wants to the Lokpal Bill:
1) that the name be changed - it is called the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 - to drop the mention of Lokayuktas.
2) that 14 pages that have any mention of Lokayuktas in states be deleted.
1) that the name be changed - it is called the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 - to drop the mention of Lokayuktas.
2) that 14 pages that have any mention of Lokayuktas in states be deleted.
Dinner has been ordered for all MPs in the Rajya Sabha. That gives a sense of how long the government expects the debate to last.
So, what will the Congress-led UPA government do today? Sources say even now, as it studies rules closely on the question of amendments, the top leadership is inclined to brave a vote in the Rajya Sabha.
Sources say there is the argument that it is a win-win situation for the Congress as it will be fulfilling its commitment to bring the Lokpal to Parliament and thereafter, it is not the ruling party's responsibility alone to get it passed. Decisions, of course, will emerge from the meeting at 5 pm.
Sources say there is the argument that it is a win-win situation for the Congress as it will be fulfilling its commitment to bring the Lokpal to Parliament and thereafter, it is not the ruling party's responsibility alone to get it passed. Decisions, of course, will emerge from the meeting at 5 pm.
Any vote on the Lokayukta clauses is likely to find support from most regional parties. But, remember, if any amendment to the Bill that the Lok Sabha passed is approved in the Rajya Sabha, then the Bill goes back to the Lok Sabha for it to pass that amendment. The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die for the winter session. So it would effectively mean no Lokpal Bill in this session. Will that happen today?
Breaking News: The Trinamool Congress has decided that it will push for division or vote on two amendments on the Lokpal Bill today. The TMC wants the name of the Bill changed to remove the mention of Lokayuktas and wants the deletion of 14 pages that deal with Lokayuktas.
Sitaram Yechury of the CPM, who is speaking in the Rajya Sabha right now, has just suggested the insertion of another clause in the Lokpal Bill that will make clear that the Lokayukta clauses are only guidelines for states to follow - that there is no imposition on states when they draft anti-corruption laws.
As evening falls, the government's Mamata worry is spreading beyond the Trinamool. Ms Banerjee's insistence that states' autonomy be safe-guarded by the deletion of all clauses in the Lokpal Bill that mention Lokayuktas in states is reportedly finding support. Other regional players like the Samajwadi Party and Lalu Yadav's RJD are also said to be gearing up to seek the removal of the Lokayukta clauses.
The Congress meeting at 5 pm will take a final call on whether the government will push for a vote at all in the Rajya Sabha today. After this morning's meeting sources had said the government would try and pass the Bill only after assessing its numbers by evening. As of now, sources say, the government is keeping all options open, including that of referring the Bill to a select committee of parliament.
Govt reaches out to the BSP. Pranab Mukherjee, Pawan Bansal in a meeting with BSP's Satish Chandra Misra.
In the Rajya Sabha today, SC Misra said government control over the CBI has to go, alleging that there has been misuse of the investigation agency against party chief Mayawati. The SP and the BSP had abstained from voting in the Lok Sabha, helping the government's cause by bringing the halfway mark down.
In the Rajya Sabha today, SC Misra said government control over the CBI has to go, alleging that there has been misuse of the investigation agency against party chief Mayawati. The SP and the BSP had abstained from voting in the Lok Sabha, helping the government's cause by bringing the halfway mark down.
So what does the government see from here? Ally Trinamool Congress is still refusing to budge on moving an amendment to the Lokpal Bill. Mamata Banerjee's party wants 14 pages of the bill that deal with how states should create Lokayuktas to be dropped. How the six Trinamool MPs will vote is of critical importance in a House where every vote counts.
News coming in that the Congress core group - which includes party president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior ministers and party leaders - will meet again at 5 pm. The group had met this morning too to discuss the government's strategy today.
The Rajya Sabha has reconvened after lunch. Satish Chandra Misra of the Bahujan Samaj Party is speaking.
PTI has quoted Samajwadi Party sources to say that its five MPs are likely to vote against the Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
A recap of the debate in the Rajya Sabha so far: Minister of state in the PMO V Narayanasamy tabled the Lokpal Bill in the Upper House when it convened at 11 am. When it was Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley's turn to begin the debate, the BJP objected that the Prime Minister, who is the Leader of the House, was not present. The House was adjourned for ten-minutes - the PM was in a Congress core group meeting.
When the House reconvened, Arun Jaitley tore into the Lokpal Bill which he called weak, "toy", a "phoney Bill" and suggested that the House of Elders sit all day to pass it only with the amendments sought. (Speech Highlights).
The Congress fielded Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who took on Mr Jaitley point by point in a war of words, countering him on everything including a pot shot that the BJP leader took at Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi. (Speech Highlights).
The House is on a lunch break now
When the House reconvened, Arun Jaitley tore into the Lokpal Bill which he called weak, "toy", a "phoney Bill" and suggested that the House of Elders sit all day to pass it only with the amendments sought. (Speech Highlights).
The Congress fielded Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who took on Mr Jaitley point by point in a war of words, countering him on everything including a pot shot that the BJP leader took at Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi. (Speech Highlights).
The House is on a lunch break now
After Abhishek Manu Singhvi's sharp attack on the BJP, the Rajya Sabha has broken for lunch. The House will reconvene at 2.30 pm.
In answer to that question below: Since the Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die, the Lokpal Bill either gets passed or defeated in this session. Or then it can be handed over to the Select Committee.
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die. Point to ponder - if any amendment moved today is accepted in the Rajya Sabha, the Bill will have to been sent back to the Lok Sabha.With the Lower House now adjourned for this winter session, what happens in that scenario? We'll get an answer from our experts soon. Watch this space.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi takes on Arun Jaitley point by point. Here are the highlights
It is Lok Sabha rewind. Congress vs BJP is Lawyer vs Lawyer. In the Lower House, the Treasury Benches fielded Kapil Sibal to counter Sushma Swaraj. In the Upper House, Abhishek Manu Singhvi of the Congress has risen to counter Arun Jaitley. And as he begins, he promises some pain - "yes it will hurt some more" he told BJP members who objected to his opening words.
Arun Jaitley, winding up his speech: You want to kill the Lokpal even while it's still in the womb...We want a powerful Lokpal - an effective Lokpal needs an indepenedent investigative agency...You want a pliable Lokpal so that it's a rudderless institution.
We, in the opposition, will be here all day to pass the Lokpal Bill, but not your Lokpal Bill so please accept our amenedments.
We, in the opposition, will be here all day to pass the Lokpal Bill, but not your Lokpal Bill so please accept our amenedments.
Let us cast an eye on how numbers in the Rajya Sabha stack up: Today's rebel, the Trinamool Congress, in red.
Total House strength - 243
Halfway mark - 122
United Progressive Alliance - total 95
Congress - 71
DMK - 7
Nationalist Congress Party - 7
Trinamool Congress - 6
National Conference - 2
Sikkim Democratic Front - 1
Rashtriya Lok Dal - 1
National Democratic Alliance - total 66
Bharatiya Janata Party - 51
Janata Dal-United - 8
Shiv Sena - 4
Shiromani Akali Dal - 3
Left parties - total 19
Communist Party of India-Marxist - 13
Communist Party of India - 5
All India Forward Bloc - 1
Bahujan Samaj Party - 18
Biju Janata Dal - 6
AIADMK - 5
Samajwadi Party - 5
Rashtriya Janata Dal - 4
Asom Gana Parishad - 2
Bodoland People's Front - 1
Indian National Lok Dal - 1
Lok Janasakti Party - 1
Mizo National Front - 1
Nagaland People's Front - 1
Telugu Desam Party - 4
Nominated - 8
Independents and others - 6
Total House strength - 243
Halfway mark - 122
United Progressive Alliance - total 95
Congress - 71
DMK - 7
Nationalist Congress Party - 7
Trinamool Congress - 6
National Conference - 2
Sikkim Democratic Front - 1
Rashtriya Lok Dal - 1
National Democratic Alliance - total 66
Bharatiya Janata Party - 51
Janata Dal-United - 8
Shiv Sena - 4
Shiromani Akali Dal - 3
Left parties - total 19
Communist Party of India-Marxist - 13
Communist Party of India - 5
All India Forward Bloc - 1
Bahujan Samaj Party - 18
Biju Janata Dal - 6
AIADMK - 5
Samajwadi Party - 5
Rashtriya Janata Dal - 4
Asom Gana Parishad - 2
Bodoland People's Front - 1
Indian National Lok Dal - 1
Lok Janasakti Party - 1
Mizo National Front - 1
Nagaland People's Front - 1
Telugu Desam Party - 4
Nominated - 8
Independents and others - 6
As an aside, as soon as Mr Jaitley finishes his speech in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister will go to the Lok Sabha, which will then be adjourned sine die. Today is the last day of the extended Winter Session of Parliament.
Interesting tweet from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose party the National Conference is part of the UPA and father Farooq Abdullah is a senior minister at the Centre.
All said & done one has to accept that the BJP makes very effective opening attacks in both the Lok Sabha & the Rajya Sabha.
- Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 29, 2011
Beginning the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said that the Elders must ensure that a strong Lokpal Bill, with amendments, was passed today. It was important he said "a weak, half-hearted legislation" be rejected and that it all happen today.
The PM is is the House now and the Rajya Sabha has reconvened. Leader of Opposition, the BJP's Arun Jaitley is speaking now.
With the Opposition continuing to protest, demanding the presence of the PM in House, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for ten minutes
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also Leader of the Upper House.
There is uproar in the Rajya Sabha. BJP MPs want to know where the PM is. Chairman Hamid Ansari has told the House that the PM is on his way.
Eye on Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. The UPA ally is unmoved by the many efforts of the Congress to bring it around. It has said it will go ahead with seeking an amendment in the Bill. It wants 14 pages on Lokayuktas to be deleted.
Eye on Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. The UPA ally is unmoved by the many efforts of the Congress to bring it around. It has said it will go ahead with seeking an amendment in the Bill. It wants 14 pages on Lokayuktas to be deleted.
The Rajya Sabha has set aside eight hours for the Lokpal discussion today; it will be followed by a vote. Today is the last day of the extended Winter Session of Parliament.
V Narayanasamy as he tables the Lokpal Bill in the Upper House: For 40 years, discussions on Lokpal Bill have been held for a bill to help citizens who have many complaints
In April 2011, civil society organizations said Lokpal Bill should come as soon as possible
So govt tried new experiment - to get views of civil society like Anna Hazare and others. So finance minister and others worked with them on Lokpal Bill. Both sides deliberated on it.
About six meetings they attended. One meeting they (activists) boycotted
Lokpal will have chairperson and 8 members
This bill has not been brought all of a sudden. Many deliberations were held. Two meetings with political parties. They were taken into confidence.
There was lot of demand for reservation for SC/ST, women, minorities.
Therefore it has been incorporated in the bill.
Minister of state in the PMO V Narayanasamy is putting the Lokpal Bill before the Rajya Sabha. For the UPA government, this is the last mile, also the toughest leg of the long and winding Lokpal course.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has just joined the party's core group meeting where their strategy in the Rajya Sabha is being decided. The government is set to be considering whether or not to have a vote in view of ally Trinamool Congress' latest rebellion.
Pranab Mukherjee met Kapil Sibal and other important allies ahead of the core group meeting.
The Rajya Sabha will begin debating the Lokpal Bill in a short while from now.
The government has to navigate a smoother journey for the Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha. Even the simple majority that the Bill will need to be passed is a stretch in this House.
The opposition is flexing its superior number power to say, do it our way. And then there is always ally Mamata Banerjee, who is adamant that she will seek an amendment to the Bill. Opposition from Ms Banerjee would mean a logistical and PR nightmare for the government. If the Trinamool does not support the Bill, the government will find itself counting even more on walkout by parties like Mulayam Singh Yadav's SP and Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD. Walkout by parties like the SP, the RJD and the BSP is what saved the government in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Hours ahead of the Lokpal Bill debate in the Rajya Sabha, the government's main trouble-shooter Pranab Mukherjee is still holding talks with key UPA ally Mamata Banerjee's party to convince them against their demand for an amendment to the Bill.
Mamata wants to move an amendment in the Rajya Sabha asking for 14 pages of the anti-corruption Bill which deal with Lokayuktas or anti-corruption agencies at the state level to be dropped because she believes this section violates the autonomy of states. Ms Banerjee feels that states must have more autonomy.
Last evening, a meeting between Mr Mukherjee and Trinamool MPs failed to break the impasse with Derek O'Brien giving notice in the Rajya Sabha for an amendment to the Bill.
Sources tell NDTV that the Left and the BJP have proposed to the government that after the debate in the Rajya Sabha, the bill should be sent to a select committee instead of putting it to a vote. The government, added sources, has reportedly not agreed to the proposal as they are confident of the numbers in the Upper House. "Lokpal Bill will come for voting before the Rajya Sabha," confirmed Mr Narayanasamy this morning.
After his much-hyped three-day fast in Mumbai came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, Anna Hazare will head to his hometown in Ralegan Siddhi today.
The 74-year-old Gandhian told the crowd gathered at the MMRDA Grounds in the city that he was ending his fast; his fast-deteriorating health had become a major cause for concern.
Hazare's itinerary changed in quick succession as his announcement to head to Delhi for a sit-in protest at the Ramlila Maidan was soon contradicted by his close aide Arvind Kejriwal who said that the plan stood suspended. His proposed civil unrest or jail bharo agitation, for which nearly two lakh people have signed up online, will also not be launched.
BJP's real face exposed, says Sonia Gandhi on its opposition to Constitution amendment Bill on Lokpal. "We wanted to strengthen the Lokpal Bill but the BJP did not want it," added Ms Gandhi.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy has said this morning that the Lokpal Bill will be brought in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow, Thursday. Today, it will be sent to the President for her assent, he said. The Congress does not have the numbers in the Rajya Sabha to push the Lokpal Bill through in the Upper House and the minister said the government was holding discussions with allies.
V Narayanasamy also said that the Congress will take action against party MPs who were absent in House when the constitutional amendment bill failed late last night in the Lok Sabha.
V Narayanasamy also said that the Congress will take action against party MPs who were absent in House when the constitutional amendment bill failed late last night in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress minister slammed the BJP for criticising the government for the failure of the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Lokpal. Mr Sibal said, "The BJP doesn't want a strong Lokpal."
Govt has lost moral authority, PM should resign: Yashwant SinhaThe Lok Sabha on Tuesday night passed the historic Lokpal Bill but a major clause of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which provided for making the Lokpal a constitutional body has been defeated. Slamming the government on the failure of the bill, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has no moral right to continue in office, and that the government should resign on moral grounds.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament after the voting, the BJP's Yashwant Sinha said, "The manner in which the Constitutional Amendment Bill has failed represents monumental inefficiency of this government. The government did not get numbers for the bill. The government has lost authority. Our party feels that the government should resign. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has no moral right to continue in office."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as he left Parliament at midnight told NDTV, "It is a bit of a disappointment that we could not get the constitutional amendment Bill passed. We have, however, fulfilled our objective of bringing these bills to Parliament as we had promised."
The Lokpal Bill will be taken up for discussion and vote in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. The government does not have the numbers in that House to manage a simple majority on its own to pass the Lokpal Bill and will need the help of other parties. Both Houses need to pass a Bill before it can become law. Watch this space.
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till tomorrow.
The final Bill voted upon today - the Whistleblowers Bill - has been passed by the Lok Sabha.
To recap: The BJD MPs came back to vote on the constitutional amendment Bill which was to have given constitutional status to the Lokpal.
The government needed a two-third majority and at least 273 votes (which is half of the 543-member House) to push this through, They always knew they did not have a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha - but they do have 273 members in the Lok Sabha with everyone present.
The Bill was voted on clause-by-clause; three clauses failed to get through. Ironically, though these managed a two-third majority of those who voted, the ayes did not add up to 273 and the Bill failed.
The government needed a two-third majority and at least 273 votes (which is half of the 543-member House) to push this through, They always knew they did not have a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha - but they do have 273 members in the Lok Sabha with everyone present.
The Bill was voted on clause-by-clause; three clauses failed to get through. Ironically, though these managed a two-third majority of those who voted, the ayes did not add up to 273 and the Bill failed.
To recap: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011 was passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote. It did not need division voting. Just before the vote, the BSP, SP, Left parties, the AIADMK and the BJD walked out.
Pranab Mukherjee: The whole purpose was to strengthen the institution of Lokpal and Lokayukta and give it constitutional stature. The House, particularly the BJP, have decided that they don't want it so and the House lacks two-third majority. It is a sad day of democracy.
Making the Lokpal a constitutional body was first mooted by Rahul Gandhi in an intervention in Parliament earlier this year. The Bill failing is an embarrassment for the government.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill, which provided for making the Lokpal a constitutional body has been defeated. The government could not mange a two-third majority to push it through. The Lokpal will thus not be a constitutional body.
Lalu Prasad Yadav announced a walkout of his four-member RJD protesting against the "weak" Lokpal Bill. The AIADMK (nine MPs) walked out too.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill on the Lokpal Bill is being voted on clause by clause. This Bill will operationalise key provisions of the Lokpal Bill and make the Lokpal a Constitutional body. The Constitutional Amendment Bill needs a two-third majority saying aye. A division was called on whether the Bill should be brought - of 394 members present in House, 321 said aye, 73 said no and two members abstained.
The Biju Janata Dal's 14 MPs too walked out of the House before the Lokpal vote, but came back for the vote on the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The Left's 24 MPs walked out just before the Lokpal Bill was passed by voice vote in the Lok Sabha. The communist parties walked out because an amendment moved by Basudeb Acharya of the CPM was not accepted.
A historic moment. THE LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA BILL 2011 HAS BEEN PASSED IN THE LOK SABHA.
Worrying images in from Mumbai of Anna Hazare lying on a bed with his associates sitting around. There are ambulances at the MMRDA ground and doctors and police officers have met Anna and his team.
PTI quotes Mulayam Singh Yadav after he walked out of the Lok Sabha: "We had demanded a strong Lokpal. It is not strong. It is sarkari Lokpal. There is no meaning to it. It was brought in a hurry and under Anna Hazare's pressure."
Asked why did he not protest against the bill in the House by voting against it, PTI quotes Mr Yadav as saying, "We don't want to support the BJP."
Asked why did he not protest against the bill in the House by voting against it, PTI quotes Mr Yadav as saying, "We don't want to support the BJP."
The effective strength of the House for voting with the BSP and SP walking out is 500. That brings down the halfway mark to 250.
The Speaker has announced division. This means that MPs will now press buttons on their desks to record their votes. If they want to pass an amendment, they will press a green button. a red for no and an amber button to abstain.
The clause on Lokayukta in the Lokpal Bill has been amended. The BJP and other parties had raised objections to it saying it violated the federal structure.
The BSP (21 MPs) and the SP (22 MPs) walking out means there are 41 members less in House as the Lok Sabha votes on the Lokpal Bill.
The BSP and the SP have walked out of House as the Lok Sabha votes on the Lokpal Bill.
The Lok Sabha is voting on amendments right now.
Vote also on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Whistleblower Bill.
The Speaker has put the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill to vote.
The Lok Sabha Speaker has announced a vote on three Bills.
Some levity in Parliament. As Pranab Mukherjee finished his reply, Yashwant Sinha of the BJP sought a moment to speak. He said, "The Leader of the House asked why I said it sounded like the PM's farewell speech. Because there has been much talk in Central Hall that Pranab Mukherjee will be the new PM." There was much laughter.
An update from Mumbai. Sources say Anna's health is poor and he is likely to be taken to hospital.
Pranab Mukherjee: I admit I do not have the numbers to amend the constitution.
Pranab Mukherjee: There will be official amendment to change requirement of three-fourth members of Lokpal to approve inquiry against PM to two-third
Pranab Mukherjee: Agitation cannot bring about legislation.
Pranab Mukherjee: We are bringing amendments based on suggestions; that of the Leader of the Opposition in the matter of Lokayukta in states.
Pranab Mukherjee: Mr Yashwant Sinha, why should you see the PM's intervention as a farewell speech? What is the hurry? Can't you wait for two and a half years?
Pranab Mukherjee: We are not under duress, not under threat. We wanted to have an effective, strong anti-corruption legislation in the form of the Lokpal Bill.
Political parties have been taking contradictory stands.
Nothing has come from a magician's hat. Everything was discussed.
We received a mandate at the all-party meeting. Quota was also brought up.
The government draft was based on a day-long discussion in parliament
But again it is called "sarkari lokpal". Because of five members in the selection panel, who will include the PM and the Speaker
We talk of sovereignty of the House, but then we raise questions about this.
When a majority of MPs (273) will decide, the PM will have to go.
Political parties have been taking contradictory stands.
Nothing has come from a magician's hat. Everything was discussed.
We received a mandate at the all-party meeting. Quota was also brought up.
The government draft was based on a day-long discussion in parliament
But again it is called "sarkari lokpal". Because of five members in the selection panel, who will include the PM and the Speaker
We talk of sovereignty of the House, but then we raise questions about this.
When a majority of MPs (273) will decide, the PM will have to go.
Leader of House Pranab Mukherjee replies to the Lok Sabha: The debate has been lively
Various points have been covered
Government has not moved in undue haste
For last six months, we are debating this issue inside the House
Country is agitating and debating this issue outside the House
News from Parliament: The BJP-led NDA is meeting regional parties to gather support on its position on the Lokayukta. The BJP has moved five amendments on the constitutional amendment Bill against the government move to bring the Lokpal under Article 253 of the Constitution, which it says violates the federal structure. The BJP wants it brought under Article 252 of the Constitution.
Arvind Kejriwal has announced at Mumbai's MMRDA ground that they have been appealing to Anna to break his fast as he needs medication and that cannot be taken on an empty stomach. But Anna, he says, has refused to call off his hunger-strike.
Anna's doctors' update: Anna Hazare's fever has been coming on and then ebbing. He has high fever right now. His blood pressure has risen to 170/96. His pulse rate is high at 98. Anna Hazare's condition is not good. Anna has not been on stage for some time, and has been resting, which is unsual.
Spotted in the Lok Sabha as the Lokpal debate winds down: Rahul Gandhi. The Congress General Secretary was not present in the House for most of the day. He has been away campaigning in UP, where elections will be held in February.
Baba Ramdev says he will join Anna Hazare on December 29.
Sri Sri Ravishankar appeals to Anna Hazare to end fast.
Shazia Ilmi of Team Anna: We could not monitor the Parliament debate all the time.
More on Anna's health: His blood pressure has shot up.
Lalu Yadav had suggested that an "All India Anna Health Committee" be set up; many MPs tittered.
BJP: Lalu Yadav's comment in Parliament on Anna Hazare's health in bad taste.
Team Anna: Have been trying to convince Anna to give up his fast since he is unwell, but he has been resolute so far.
From MMRDA ground in Mumbai comes the news that Anna Hazare is now running a 102 degree F temperature.
Anna Hazare said today that if Parliament did not pass a Lokpal Bill that he approved as strong and effective, he would head to the five election-bound states to campaign against the government. He asked the people of these states to punish the government that, he said, had betrayed the country.
Uttarakhand, incidentally, is BJP-ruled and is one of the five states where elections will be held soon. Election dates were announced on last Saturday - Uttarakhand votes on January 30. That will be on the mind of both the BJP and the Congress.
Shashi Tharoor: BJP's Uttarakhand Bill a "model", ours is the real thing.
Shashi Tharoor of the Congress has, meanwhile, carried to Parliament a copy of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta law which the BJP holds up as a model anti-corruption law and which has earned many plaudits from Anna Hazare and his team too. And has mocked it.
A much more contentious point of the debate has been over whether the Bill can order states to create a Lokpal model at their level. The BJP's Sushma Swaraj and the government's Kapil Sibal traded angry charges over this in the morning. Ms Swaraj accused the government of violating the federal principles of the Constitution by imposing the Bill and its model for an anti-corruption agency on states. In its current form, the Lokpal Bill will over-ride similar legislation passed in places like Karnataka and Uttarakhand, where Lokayuktas have been created already. The Prime Minister in his speech defended this part of the bill - he said federalism cannot serve as an impediment to fighting corruption, but even his key ally Mamata Banerjee's party, the Trinamool Congress, disagreed, just moments later. The government may amend its Bill to ensure that it is not binding on states to adopt the new law.
For those who are joining us now, the government has been in a huddle to discuss bringing in some official amendments to its Bill. Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister have met senior ministers on this even as the debate in the Lok Sabha continued. Most opposition parties say they cannot accept Section 24 of the Bill which allows action to be taken against MPs and ministers even before they are tried for complaints of corruption. The Lokpal will send its report to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Vice President who is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. They would have to explain the action taken against the MP or minister to the Lokpal. MPs say that this severely undermines the supremacy of Parliament. The government is likely to move an amendment that drops Section 24.
Shashi Tharoor: Lokpal is an idea whose time has come. We need an independent, effective Lokpal. Lokpal is an idea whose time has come: Shashi Tharoor
And in the Treasury Benches, it is the turn of the articulate former minister Shashi Tharoor to defend the Bill.
Yashwant Sinha: What this government has put us through with its scandals. That is why an old man is on a fast in Mumbai...The honest PM heads the most corrupt government India has ever had. This is why people are restless and desperate for change. A morally bankrupt government has brought a broke-pal Bill.
To give some context to the BJP's demand: The constitutional amendment Bill needs a two-third majority in House to be passed. The Lokpal Bill is a statutory Bill and needs only a simple majority or half the House's approval to be passed. In the Lok Sabha, which is debating and will vote on the Bill today, the government has the numbers to get a simple majority. For a two-third majority it would need the support of the BJP.
Yashwant Sinha: Pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill first and then the Lokpal Bill.
Yashwant Sinha: You ask us what we did when in power. I can at least say that no minister of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government of that time is in jail.
Yashwant Sinha of BJP in Lok Sabha:
Before entering politics, I thought the toughest exam is IAS exam
I have won some elections, lost others, and feel winning a Lok Sabha election is the toughest feat.
We are available at all times to our constituencies, answerable always to voters
Those who think winning an election is easy, or sitting in the Lok Sabha is easy...they do not know what it means to really be a member of this House
But we must also ponder over why we are now in this position.
There has never been as intense or urgent a call for a Lokpal. We should introspect over this.
Narayanasamy was aggressive. Kapil Sibal was even more aggressive.
The way the PM listed his government's achievements seemed like an exit speech.
The government wants to shove this bill down our throats. Why?
You have deliberately created a weak and helpless Lokpal
I was surprised that when we talked of federal structure, the PM referred to it as "legally sophistry."
You introduce a quota, and then you say let the court decide this.
I have never heard of this - we will make a deliberate mistake and then let court decide.
What this government has put us through with its scandals -that is why an old man is on a fast in Mumbai
Before entering politics, I thought the toughest exam is IAS exam
I have won some elections, lost others, and feel winning a Lok Sabha election is the toughest feat.
We are available at all times to our constituencies, answerable always to voters
Those who think winning an election is easy, or sitting in the Lok Sabha is easy...they do not know what it means to really be a member of this House
But we must also ponder over why we are now in this position.
There has never been as intense or urgent a call for a Lokpal. We should introspect over this.
Narayanasamy was aggressive. Kapil Sibal was even more aggressive.
The way the PM listed his government's achievements seemed like an exit speech.
The government wants to shove this bill down our throats. Why?
You have deliberately created a weak and helpless Lokpal
I was surprised that when we talked of federal structure, the PM referred to it as "legally sophistry."
You introduce a quota, and then you say let the court decide this.
I have never heard of this - we will make a deliberate mistake and then let court decide.
What this government has put us through with its scandals -that is why an old man is on a fast in Mumbai
Harsimrat Kaur Badal of Akali Dal: Lokpal Bill toothless, aimless; Anger of public has found anchor in Anna's agitation
Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan has said the activists could rethink on the jail bharo agitation planned on December 30 after Anna Hazare's three-day hunger-strike, since it seems unlikely to him that the Lokpal Bill will be passed in this extended session of Parliament.
Lalu Yadav: Draupadi had five husbands, Lokpal will have nine.
Lalu to PM: Bring a strong Lokpal, we will make you the Lokpal.
Though in inimitable Lalu style he began with a swipe at the PM for making an "election speech," he soon had Dr Manmohan Singh smiling when he said he was proposing an "All-India Save Anna Health Committee."
And in a serious, fraught atmosphere in the Lok Sabha, Lalu Yadav predictably fetches some levity.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has announced an extension of the session till the 3 bills under consideration are voted on.
Gurudas Dasgupta: I have moved an amendment to include the corporate sector under the ambit of the Lokpal. Why has the private sector been left out? Because they give helicopters for poll campaigns?
Gurudas Dasgupta: For the first time in our history, a member of the government is in Tihar Jail. For the first time, an important functionary of the ruling party is in jail.
Gurudas Dasgupta: The PM has asked for consensus but provoked controversy.
Gurudas Dasgupta: Corruption is all pervasive. This Lokpal Bill is a token beginning, not an effective one.
Gurudas Dasgupta: Too much importance is being given to the protest of one individual. Is Parliament under duress? Let us protect the sovereignty of Parliament.
Gurudas Dasgupta: Why suddenly this Bill?
The Left has moved 11 amendments to the Lokpal Bill
Gurudas Dasgupta of the CPI, a vocal critic of the government's Lokpal Bill, has begun his speech by taking on the Prime Minister for his intervention in the debate. He suggests that Dr Manmohan Singh "should not have used this platform to make a political speech about the achievements of his government with an eye on forthcoming elections in five states."
Jayant Chaudhury of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, the latest UPA ally, is speaking now to defend the Bill.
UPA ally Trinamool Congress, which rules West Bengal, has objected to the provision that imposes the new law on states. Kalyan Banerjee of Mamata Banerjee's party has also raised objections to the composition of the Lokpal selection committee.
PM: I believe that the CBI should function independent of the Lokpal. I also believe that the CBI should function independent of the government. But no individual or organization should be free from accountability. No entity should be created inconsistent with constitution or without proper accountability.
PM: Look beyond politics, legal sophistry to pass the Bill. Federalism cannot be a hurdle in the fight against corruption.
PM: Show the country that this House means business
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: The nation awaits with baited breath to see how the collective wisdom will be reflected.
The task of legislation is very serious business and must eventually be performed by all of us who have been constitutionally assigned to do this.
Others can persuade and have their voices heard, but the decision must rest with us
We have seen how public anger has manifested itself in the last year
We have held a wide range of consultations and come up with a Bill.
We have been enriched by wisdom of political parties and by all shades of opinions that have been taken into account
We believe in transparent and open governance.
We have taken decisive steps on corruption.
This is work in progress.
The task of legislation is very serious business and must eventually be performed by all of us who have been constitutionally assigned to do this.
Others can persuade and have their voices heard, but the decision must rest with us
We have seen how public anger has manifested itself in the last year
We have held a wide range of consultations and come up with a Bill.
We have been enriched by wisdom of political parties and by all shades of opinions that have been taken into account
We believe in transparent and open governance.
We have taken decisive steps on corruption.
This is work in progress.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is speaking now.
It's been Maharashtra for a while in Parliament. After the Shiv Sena's Anant Geethe spoke to say don't rush with the Bill, the Nationalist Congress Party's Supriya Sule gave a simple but effective speech defending the government's Bill. Bring the Lokpal Bill and review it every six months, she suggested.
Sources have said the government is also looking at changing a controversial provision in the Bill tabled that would need presiding officers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to submit action-taken reports to the Lokpal. The Congress core committee, which includes Sonia Gandhi and the PM, along with other senior leaders and ministers, will meet at 5.30 pm.
Among the crucial official amendments the government is considering is the provision that state legislatures will have the powers to decide which Lokayukta they want to adopt - the one they have or the one that new Bill brings. This was a key concern voiced by the BJP's Sushma Swaraj.
Lokpal Bill debate: What Sushma, Sibal said
Lokpal Bill debate: What Sushma, Sibal said
Breaking out of our recap of the day's events for some more news coming in: The core group of the Congress will meet shortly on the official amendments that the government is considering moving to its Bill.
Anna has been unwell and was advised by his team not to fast, but he is adamant that he will go ahead. Doctors checked him at the ground and said he could fast. He has no fever. Anna spoke at length, said he was ready to give his life for a nation rid of corruption, asked the youth to come forth and sacrifice and warned again that if a strong Lokpal Bill was not brought, he would go to election-bound states to campaign against the government.
The day began early for Anna Hazare in Mumbai. As he left his guest house, some men waved black flags and raised slogans against him. That happened right through his meandering route to the MMRDA ground, the venue of his three-day fast. He first went to the Gandhi statue at Juhu and then, standing in a truck bedecked colourfully and escorted by Royal Enfield bikers, reached the MMRDA ground at Bandra Kurla. Crowd turnout has been less than was expected at that ground and at the Ramlila ground in Delhi.
For those who are joining us here now, here's a busy day so far in a nutshell. The day of course is far from over. Nine speakers have spoken in the Lok Sabha, many more will speak. Parliament proceedings are likely to head into the night. Other debates have gone that way - the Gujarat debate of 2001 saw Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee reply only after 3 am.
In Mumbai, at the MMRDA ground, actor Anupam Kher, the first celebrity to share the stage with Anna along with his wife Kirron Kher, spoke poetically to demand a strong Lokpal Bill.
In Parliament, the CPM's Basudeb Acharya is speaking in the Lok Sabha.
Recap: The BJP has sought that the Lokpal Bill to provide an enabling framework but not impinge upon the right of states to form their own laws. In its current form, the Lokpal Bill will over-ride the acts passed by states like Karnataka and Uttarakhand to create Lokayuktas.
To recap: The BJP and others have objected to a section of the Lokpal Bill that imposes the Lokpal structure on states by ordering them to set up lokayuktas or anti-corruption bodies. The BJP says this violates federal principles.
The new amendments that the government is considering will reflect views across political parties, sources said. The attempt is to get the Lokpal Bill and the Whistle-blower Bill passed smoothly in the Lok Sabha. The government needs a simple majority - that is just over 50 per cent - to pass these Bills. It has that majority in the Lok Sabha, but is in a minority in the Rajya Sabha.
As the debate continues in the Lok Sabha, Pranab Mukherjee is meeting senior ministers. Sources say they are discussing moving some official amendments to the Lokpal Bill to smooth the ruffled feathers of different political parties who have slammed the bill in its current state.
Anna Hazare: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are temples. Only pure people must enter these.
Anna Hazare: We will go to five election-bound states and campaign. People threaten us that we will not be allowed to enter the states. What do they threaten us with? Can you threaten that man with death whose death has died?
Anna gives a peek into how he has lived his 74 years: Did not marry, Has not been to his village in year. Has a brother, but does not know the names of his children. Lives in a temple and says he owns nothing but a plate to eat on and a bed to sleep on.
Anna Hazare: Voters of election-bound states must punish this government.
Anna Hazare: People die of heart attacks. It will be my privilege if I die for the country. And then he mouths words of a popular Bollywood song - "Dil diya hai, jaan bhi denge aye watan tere liye (Have given my heart, will give my life too for you, my country.)"
Anna, who began a three-day fast on a public stage today, says he hasn't eaten for the last three days either. He says he gets energy from the crowds that gather to support him.
Anna speaks at MMRDA: It is time to make sacrifices...We are here to serve society and country. I decided I will live only for society and my country. I will die for the same cause.
Sharad Yadav: Does the government think the country won't understand how you are trying to trick it with regard to imposing the law upon states?
In Mumbai, on the massive stage at the MMRDA ground, Anna, who looks distinctly unwell, sits with a thermometer in his mouth. Doctors are confabulating again. Anna, smiles and waves.
Sharad Yadav, JD(U) leader and the convenor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is the next speaker in the Lok Sabha.
Attendance is not great at the MMRDA ground - about 3500 people; Attendance is not great in Parliament either after lunch; attendance is abysmal at the Ramlila ground in New Delhi.
In Parliament, Dara Singh Chauhan continues to slam the Lokpal Bill. The BSP wants the CBI under the Lokpal; much like Team Anna does.
In Mumbai, Anna Hazare has had a medical check-up. Doctors say Anna's blood pressure is 140/84, and he has no fever. He can continue his fast, say the doctors. Team Anna has appealed to Anna to call off his fast but Anna is adamant that he will go on.
Dara Singh Chauhan of the BSP: If we make a Lokpal for votes, it will be weak.
Interestingly, just before the Lokpal Bill debate began this morning, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Yadav had met Leader of the House and the Congress' chief trouble shooter Pranab Mukherjee in his office. Also present, were senior ministers like Salman Khurshid and Kapil Sibal.
Mulayam Singh Yadav: The government has brought a Bill that suits the government. Not a Bill that suits the people. It needs amendments.
Mulayam Singh Yadav: The Lokpal Bill is disappointing....it won't end corruption.
This is a completely sarkari Bill: Mulayam
This is a completely sarkari Bill: Mulayam
Mulayam Singh Yadav: Democracy is bigger than Lokpal.
Parliament has re-opened. Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party is the first speaker after lunch.
Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi: We asked Anna not to fast, he did not listen.
Arvind Kejriwal at MMRDA: If the government didn't want to accept any of our suggestions, then why pretend to form a committee with us and ask us to contribute?
At different points in this last year, the government has betrayed Anna and the people.
To end his fasts, the government made promises to Anna, then betrayed him.
Anna was arrested and placed in jail - with politicians like A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi - the sort of corrupt politicians he is fighting against.
Two hours after arresting him, they said he is free to go. Was he no longer a danger to security, as they claimed earlier? Is there a law that bans us from holding protests?
On August 27, Parliament met and on TV, the whole country watched as MPs accepted Anna's three points: that Citizen's Charter will be brought under Lokpal. Anna says it hurts him to hear of how many bribes a common man is asked for when he goes to a government office. So Anna asked for a notice to be displayed in all government departments which show the services you are owed by that office and the time within which that service has to be delivered. Parliament accepted that. But the government has not included Citizen's Charter in the bill brought to Parliament.
At different points in this last year, the government has betrayed Anna and the people.
To end his fasts, the government made promises to Anna, then betrayed him.
Anna was arrested and placed in jail - with politicians like A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi - the sort of corrupt politicians he is fighting against.
Two hours after arresting him, they said he is free to go. Was he no longer a danger to security, as they claimed earlier? Is there a law that bans us from holding protests?
On August 27, Parliament met and on TV, the whole country watched as MPs accepted Anna's three points: that Citizen's Charter will be brought under Lokpal. Anna says it hurts him to hear of how many bribes a common man is asked for when he goes to a government office. So Anna asked for a notice to be displayed in all government departments which show the services you are owed by that office and the time within which that service has to be delivered. Parliament accepted that. But the government has not included Citizen's Charter in the bill brought to Parliament.
Arvind Kejriwal is on stage at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai, recounting the Lokpal story of 2011.
Parliament has been adjourned till 2.15 pm.
Kapil Sibal ends his speech as he had started, with a direct attack on the BJP's Sushma Swaraj: You are a marvelous orator, but unfortunately your ideology is to destroy not construct."
Read complete highlights of Sibal's speech in Parliament
Read complete highlights of Sibal's speech in Parliament
At MMRDA ground in Mumbai, Sushma Swaraj's words strike a chord. Team Anna's Manish Sisodia says, "We too want this weak bill withdrawn...but we want a strong bill passed in this session of Parliament."
In the middle of the Sibal-Sushma war of words in Parliament, a Lalu Yadav salvo aimed at Anna Hazare: "However good the Bill you bring, Anna will not be happy."
Kapil Sibal: The BJP has a political agenda, it does not want the Lokpal Bill passed.
Lawyer versus lawyer: If the BJP fielded Sushma Swaraj in fine legal fettle, Kapil Sibal too has donned his legal hat to rebut her.
Kapil Sibal: I will answer Sushma Swaraj's contentions point by point.
The next speaker is Kapil Sibal, Congressman and Telecom Minister, who has risen to defend the Bill.
Sushma Swaraj: Withdraw this weak Bill. Amend it or bring a new Bill. We need a strong and effective Lokpal. Send it back to the standing commitee, bring it in two or three months more if necessary.
Sushma Swaraj on the CBI's role: In last three months, the CBI said no need to investigate Chidambaram (in 2G scam)...For transfers and budget the CBI will have to bow before the government, accept its directions...The CBI's prosecution and investigating wings need to be separated, with the latter handed over to Lokpal.
Anna Hazare has reached Mumbai's MMRDA ground. Many tricolours fluttering in the warm Mumbai air and song have greeted Anna.
At Mumbai's MMRDA ground there is Gandhism in the air. Among the people sitting in neat rows awaiting Anna's arrival, many in Gandhi caps, there sits an elderly man spinning yarn on a traditional spinning wheel.
It is full house in the Lok Sabha with both the Congress and the BJP issuing whips to their members to be present today. Right now, Sushma Swaraj has the MPs listening in rapt attention as she takes apart the government's Lokpal Bill, bit by little bit.
In Mumbai, Anna's convoy is about the enter the MMRDA grounds. In Delhi, the Ramlila ground has very few people gathering. Is it the winter chill? Or the fact that Anna is not here?
An exchange of words between Sushma Swaraj and Lalu Yadav in Parliament. Lalu Yadav has objected to Sushma Swaraj bringing up his name as she recounts how, she says, the minority quota was inserted by the government. "It was a win-win for the government," says Sushma Swaraj.
Uproar in Parliament as BJP leader Sushma Swaraj argues against a minority quota.
Sushma Swaraj: The Lokpal Bill is unconstitutional.
Sushma Swaraj: Many states, like Uttarakhand, have a better Bill than yours.
Sushma Swaraj: Lokayukta law should not be binding on states. Are you making a law that is mandatory for states to follow? One minister, Kapil Sibal, says it will not be binding on states. Today, G Narayanaswamy says it is binding. Make up your mind.
Sushma Swaraj: This Bill violates federal structure.
