Kejriwal firm on tabling Jan Lokpal Bill

The Arvind Kejriwal government is confident of tabling its much-awaited anti-corruption legislation, Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, in the winter session of the Assembly starting on Wednesday.

The Kejriwal cabinet is expected to clear the legislation at a meeting prior to the start of the House proceedings at 2 pm, said an aide to the Delhi chief minister.

Sources in the government said it is firm on bringing a strong anti-corruption law despite the recent appointment of a new Lokayukta under the Delhi Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1995.

“The Jan Lokpal Bill and the existing Lokayukta Act have no connection. The AAP government is committed to bringing in a tough anti-corruption law,” said a functionary in the Chief Minister’s Office. 

There are indications that, if needed, the government may seek an extension of the winter session for introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Sources in the office of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung said the proposed anti-graft legislation may need clearance from the Union Home Ministry after the Kejriwal cabinet sends it to Raj Niwas. “The process may be time consuming if legal advice is sought at any level,” said an official.

The last time Kejriwal tried to introduce the anti-graft bill in 2014, he was disallowed as the subject does not come under the domain of the elected government of the Union Territory controlled by the Lieutenant Governor.

Kejriwal resigned last year soon after his bid to bring the Jan Lokpal Bill was allegedly stalled, bringing the curtains down on his 49-day stint in the Chief Minister’s Office.
His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s resolve to go ahead with the Jan Lokpal bill comes in the backdrop of the pressure mounted by rivals like the BJP and the Congress over the issue.

Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta of the BJP said the party has chalked out a strategy to corner the government over the alleged corruption among ministers and delay in tabling the anti-graft law.

“We will highlight the Kejriwal government’s failure to place the Fourth Delhi Finance Commission Bill and the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Vidhan Sabha,” Gupta said.

He said the BJP would also try to highlight the failure of the Delhi government to provide basic amenities in unauthorised colonies, the need to utilise MLA fund for providing amenities in DDA’s Cooperative Group Housing Societies.

Sources in the AAP said some party legislators are likely to insist on a debate on the law and order situation and seek the summoning of Delhi Police Commissioner to the House.