Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) The government’s hope of passing the contentious Lokpal bill in parliament next week rests mainly on the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a “little give and take” on certain amendments with the smaller parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Samajwadi Party, say political observers.

“If the BJP supports the government, passing the bill should not be much of a problem,” said a cabinet minister, unwilling to be named, adding “there could be some give and take with the smaller parties”.

While the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance has a majority in the Lok Sabha, it would have to depend heavily on BJP’s support in the upper house of parliament to pass the bill.

Though the BJP vehemently opposed the bill on two grounds — religion based reservation and making the central law on Lokayuktas mandatory for the states, another cabinet minister said “the opposition party may see some reason in the bill on the floor of the house”.

Political observers said if the BJP hardens its stand on religion-based reservation for minorities, the going could get tough for the government as this would enhance chances of the bill getting voted out.

Among the smaller parties, the Shiv Sena, the RJD, Communist Party of India, Bahujan Samaj Party, the AIADMK and Biju Janata Dal have opposed sections of the proposed bill.

Even as it hopes the bill would be passed next week, the government will have to work hard to get the support of these parties. “Nobody is opposed to the idea of having a strong bill and would support it if their concerns are addressed,” said a minister.

The Lokpal bill, which aims to deal with corruption in high places, was introduced in the Lok Sabha Thursday amid much opposition from parties and will be taken up for discussion Dec 27, when the parliament reconvenes after the Christmas holidays.

Sources said bringing the Central Bureau of Investigation under the anti-graft ombudsman is the main sticking point between the government and the BJP.

While the bill envisages the prime minister and most of the bureaucracy under its fold, Anna Hazare has trashed it and said it is a weak legislation.

The government has also introduced a separate bill to amend the constitution to confer constitutional status to the proposed institution. The BJP’s support in both the houses would be crucial to fulfil this requirement. A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds majority in both houses.