Lokpal Bill Passed in both the Houses of Parliament

After Rajya Sabha passed the Lokpal Bill yesterday, the Lok Sabha also passes the crucial bill today adopting the measure as amended by the Lower House yesterday. Anti-corruption crusader and social activist Anna Hazare also ended his fast.

Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena members, opposing the bill, staged a walk-out in protest, as their counterparts from other parties, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj, supported the measure.

The Congress Vice President came out of Parliament and said that a broader framework was needed to combat corruption and just the Lokpal wouldn't be enough.

"We have passed the RTI and Lokpal Bill but there are six other legislation that need to be passed for the framework to the completed," he told reporters outside Parliament.

"If necessary, can we not extend this session of Parliament," Gandhi said as the debate began on the key bill to create an anti-graft ombudsman.

Swaraj supported the measure but attacked the Congress for clamouring to take credit for it, saying "the people of this country and the old man (Anna Hazare) who has undertaken fast several times deserve the credit."

After Lok Sabha's approval, it will be sent to the President whose assent is necessary for it to become a law.