Team Anna dumps new Lokpal bill

Addressing a press conference, Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said the new bill was "worse" than the legislation introduced in August in Lok Sabha alleging that the government does not want a comprehensive anti-graft ombudsman.

"Under the present bill, government will have all the control over Lokpal as it will have powers to appoint and remove members at its will. It is worse than the Lokpal Bill introduced in August. We reject the (new) bill, withdraw it and introduce it after redrafting it," Kejriwal said. Describing the new bill as "anti-people and dangerous", he said the proposed legislation is meant to crush the rights enjoyed by people. "Only five per cent of employees are in its ambit. Big companies are out of it,"he said.

"Who all are in? Temples, mosques, schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, cricket clubs, gurudwaras, self help groups are under it. Even doctors, pujaris, priests, maulanas, all will be deemed to public servants. The government thinks that all the citizens are corrupt but the leaders and employees are clean," he said. Kejriwal said the government will have full control over the proposed body as it will be selected by a panel dominated by political leaders. He alleged this bill would make CBI "completely ineffective". "Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition will not want a strong CBI Director. They don`t want put their lives in difficulty by having a strong CBI Director," Kejriwal said.

He said complainants will have a difficult time in getting their complaints addressed. "Every investigation goes to CBI. CVC will also forward the cases to CBI, Lokpal will also sent cases to CBI. CBI is under the control of government. The whole anti-corruption investigations will remain under government control," he said.