By IANS,
New Delhi : A special session of parliament being called for passing the Lokpal bill could not be ruled out, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said Wednesday while expressing hope that consensus could be reached on the contentious issue.
Everything depended on whether procedures were completed, Bansal told reporters outside parliament.
“I cant say there is a possibility (of a special session) but possibility can never be ruled out,” Bansal said.
“I can only be hopeful that consensus is reached, and if consensus is reached, calling a (special) session is not a big thing. If all agree and formalities can be completed before the winter session, nothing wrong with it,” he said.
Members of Team Anna, led by Anna Hazare whose fast for a strong Lokpal bill entered day nine Wednesday, insist on the bill being passed in the present monsoon session while the government says it can not be done before the winter session in November-December.
“It is not two minute noodles. We must not be in haste. We must ensure that every point is incorporated, the views of everyone taken,” he said.
The minister added that the views of those who were neither in Team Anna nor in government should also be taken into account.
Referring to the all-party meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, the minister said: “Our intent is to build up a consensus and know the views of all parties and how do we go about it without disruption of the house.”
He also said that Hazare’s health was a matter of concern and stressed that the government was also against corruption.
“Prime minister has said in his letter (to Hazare) that we are against corruption like you, only our ways are different. We want it through parliament and you have (an)other way,” Bansal said.
“But I am sure after what prime minister has said and the talks with his representatives, the results will be good and the talks will be well concluded.”