Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday expressed “hope” for a political consensus on the Lokpal bill.

Shortly before going for the all-party meeting on Lokpal bill, the UPA government’s ace trouble shooter, when asked about the fate of the bill to create a powerful ombudsman, said “let us discuss, I am going for discussion.”

On a question whether the bill will be finalised at the meeting, he said “let us hope so”.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal expressed hope that the bill will be presented in parliament next week.

“Government is making all efforts to bring the bill in parliament for discussion and passage next week,” Bansal told reporters.

Law Minister Salman Khurshid meanwhile said the government wants a consensus with all parties on various issues of the Lokpal bill.

Talking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Khurshid said there was need to find a common ground with opposition parties.

“It all started with a consensus (on having a Lokpal bill) and it should end with a consensus,” Khurshid told reporters here.

“We have to see what the opposition has to say, we have to find a common ground. We will present our draft to the opposition, if they want a clarification we will clarify. Let’s see to what extent they agree,” he said.

An all-party meeting has been called Wednesday evening to discuss the Lokpal bill draft.

Cabinet has already approved three draft legislations to combat corruption and ensure transparency in public dealings Tuesday. These include Judicial Accountability Bill, Whistleblowers’ Bill and Citizens’ Charter Bill.