Cong slams Team Anna, Oppn; BJP hits back

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday came down heavily on Team Anna and the Opposition over the Lokpal Bill during the debate in the Lok Sabha. While the Prime Minister was moderate in his attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's speech was harsher.

Attacking Team Anna, Tharoor said, "It's time to tell civil society that your views have been heard, now listen to us."

"We don't need Jasmine revolutions in India. Uphold democracy by passing this Bill," he said, while attacking the Opposition.

On the other hand, Manmohan Singh said corruption has made the public very angry and want to see how the Lokpal Bill is treated and appealed the MPs to pass the Bill.

Appealing the House to pass the Bill, Singh said, "The course of action should reflect the sense of the House. We must rise above politics to pass this Bill."

Emphasising that corruption has no legislature colour, the Prime Minister said, "Corruption is corruption, whether in Delhi or in the states. I appeal to leaders of all political parties to rise above partisan politics."

Manmohan Singh has also defended the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and advocated for autonomy of the central investigation agency.

"The CBI should function without any interference. But it should not be free from accountability," he said.

"The CBI under Lokpal will create structure accountable to none," he added.

The Prime Minister further said, "We believe in open and transparent Government, our policies are people centric policies. We have delivered the fruits of growth to everyone."

"We are committed to fight against corruption with the Lokpal. We need a holistic approach in our fight against corruption," said Singh.

But the Prime Minister's comment on growth has invited the BJP's ire.

Taking a dig at the Prime Minister's Lokpal Bill debate speech, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said, "The Prime Minister's speech was like a farewell speech."

Suspecting 'sincerity' of the Government, Sinha said, "Winning a Lok Sabha poll is the most difficult job. MPs are not here to enjoy luxuries; we are answerable to the people."

Sinha also described the UPA Government as 'the most corrupt Government' and said it is knowingly doing unconstitutional things.

"The Government is knowingly doing unconstitutional things. The most corrupt Government is in power today," said Sinha.