By IANS,
New Delhi : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Varun Gandhi Friday said he would present the Jan Lokpal bill, drafted by Team Anna, as a private member’s bill in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the huge support from the youth for social activist Anna Hazare.
“Our time starts now. I stand for the spirit of the legislation as an Indian. I hope this way I would be able to make a small contribution towards the legislative process,” said the young Pilibhit MP.
Observing that a beginning has to be made, Varun Gandhi said as people can’t wait for five years for a fresh bill to be introduced in parliament, “we need to put a system in place. We must think why millions of young people have joined the protest against corruption.”
However, he said there was no confirmation when the Jan Lokpal bill might be presented as a private member’s bill in the lower house.
“I have discussed the issue with Speaker Meira Kumar. She understands the seriousness of the issue. She said it may be possible soon but there is no confirmation,” Varun Gandhi said in an interview to Times Now channel.
Though he had earlier in the day spoken to Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj about the issue, Varun Gandhi did not give a clear reply to the query whether he had the party backing.
“I think nobody would be against this bill. In a democracy, all politicians need to reflect on the issue of corruption,” he said.
Expressing hope that the Jan Lokpal Bill would make powerful people accountable, he said: “I am not arguing that this legislation is a perfect piece of legislation. But this is better than anything the nation has seen before. I thought rather than agitating, I would make a small contribution in my own way.”
Team Anna is agitating against the government Lokpal Bill, currently with the parliamentary standing committee concerned, as it does not cover the office of the prime minister, the judiciary and MPs.