NEW DELHI: Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is also the chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee that is examining the Lokpal Bill, Sunday said the panel is the ideal platform to discuss all aspects of the legislation.
Social activist Anna Hazare’s associate Arvind Kejriwal Saturday contended that the government was using the committee as a shield. The Lokpal Bill is currently with the parliament standing committee on personnel, public grievances, law and justice.
Singhvi told reporters here: “I will not comment on what somebody is saying. All I can say is the standing committee is something the parliamentary system must be proud of.”
“Sometimes we air our differences and get into a fight. The standing committee, as a mini parliament, rises above party politics and looks into issues objectively.
“It gets together divergent views and gives its recommendations in public interest. One should cherish, uphold, endorse, preserve and not undermine this system,” he added.
Singhvi said the panel will look into the diverse aspects of the representations from civil society, political parties and the government on the Lokpal Bill.
Refusing to comment on Hazare’s fast, the Rajya Sabha member expressed hope that the activist is hale and hearty. “It is his decision to fast. It is his freedom to do so.”
Singhvi said the motive of Team Anna and the government was the same despite differences over the bill.
“Don’t get into the past. Who is supporting whom is not the real point. The real point is genuine concern over corruption. We are open to discussion.”
Stating that corruption is at unexpected levels in the country, he said: “We must find concrete ways to remove it.” (IANS)