Parliament to decide final shape of Lokpal Bill: Pranab

 PTI Pranab: "It is the job of Parliament to legislate". File photo Ahead of Anna Hazare’s fast demanding a ‘strong’ Lokpal Bill, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said it is for Parliament to decide what should be the final shape of the legislation.

“It is the job of Parliament to legislate. We (government) had several rounds of discussion with him (Anna Hazare) and his team. We know their viewpoints. About nine rounds of meetings have already been held with them.

Thereafter also, through interlocutors some discussions also took place with them,” Mr. Mukherjee told reporters at his south Kolkata residence.

Asked for his comments on Mr. Hazare’s threat of going on fast and Tuesday’s debate in Parliament on the legislation, he said, “It is for Parliament to decide what should be the final shape of the legislation.

“We brought legislation for the consideration of the House. I can’t make any premature comment on what members will do and respond to various provisions of the legislation. You will come to know of it later,” Mr. Mukherjee said.

Mr. Hazare is set to hold his three-day fast at the MMRDA Ground in Mumbai against a ‘weak’ Lokpal Bill from tomorrow.

Team Anna had on Sunday shot off an open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and MPs wanting enactment of “real and best possible” anti-corruption law which should also provide for an independent investigative wing for the ombudsman.