In the backdrop of sharp differences between the government representatives and the civil society members drafting the Lokpal bill over the issue, the TDP on Thursday favoured bringing the Prime Minister under the ambit of the proposed bill.
“There is nothing wrong in bringing the Prime Minister under the Lokpal’s purview. The civil society’s demand in this regard is justified. We will discuss the issue in our party and form an opinion,” TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said.
Addressing a press conference at his residence here this evening, Mr. Naidu said the time had come to build a corruption-free India.
He pointed out that the demand for setting up the Lokpal was 40 years old and nobody should be exempt from it.
The Congress is not acting against corruption but only to protect its political vested interests, he alleged.
“Had the Prime Minister taken firm demonstrative action in the 2G spectrum and Commonwealth Games scandals, this situation would not have arisen,” Mr. Naidu pointed out.
He alleged the Congress was trying to “malign and blackmail” activist Anna Hazare and yoga guru Ramdev and also demanded that the government convene a meeting with civil society and political parties to sort out the issues.
“If implementing what the civil society is demanding is not feasible, the government could discuss them with all concerned and go ahead,” he said.
