Will make every effort to get Lokpal Bill passed: Advani

After Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised all possible efforts to get the Lokpal Bill passed in this winter session of Parliament, veteran BJP leader L. K. Advani on Sunday promised “all cooperation” in this matter.

Talking to journalists on the sidelines of the 18th International Sindhi Sammelan here, Mr. Advani said the BJP was in favour of a strong and effective Lokpal Bill, and his party would extend full cooperation to get the Bill passed in the current session if there was no other hindrance.

“From the BJP and the NDA side, there will be every effort to get the Bill passed. We have shown our commitment even in the joint committee and in the meetings on the issue called by the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.”

Mr. Advani said he would comment on the Bill only after it was introduced in Parliament, expected on Tuesday

Accepting Team Anna's right to voice their grievances on the form of the Lokpal Bill, Mr. Advani, however, was clear that the final word on the Bill would be that of Parliament. “There are no two opinions that Parliament will now decide the final form of the Bill and no one else.”

Team Anna had discussed the provisions of their proposed Jan Lokpal Bill with the BJP leadership and a few changes were suggested.

“I do not know on what points they agree with us and where they still differ,” he said but added that no individual opinion mattered as it would be for Parliament to decide the final shape.