New Delhi: After overwhelming results for AAP in assembly elections, the focus now shifts to Kejriwal 2.0 as the chief minister. The new government is planning to introduce the much awaited Lokpal Bill within weeks of oath ceremony on February 14. Last AAP government which lasted for 49 days fell on this issue when Congress refused to pass the Bill in parliament. The anti-corruption hotline will also be revived within days.
Deputy Chief Minister-designate Manish Sisodia, AAP MLA from Patparganj, on Thursday said that the Lokpal Bill is likely to be brought to the assembly in its second sitting.
With the opposition having just three BJP MLAs in the new 70-member house, the Bill will sail through easily but it will require ratification from the Central government led by PM Narendra Modi.
However AAP can still face similar obstacles regarding the Bill.
Talking to Indian Express, Manish Sisodia said, “We will look at the kind of objections that emerge. It is likely to be introduced in the second assembly session. Let us see what objections are raised. There is a new central government in power now.”
The jan-lokpal is top priority in AAP's 70-point action plan for Delhi which is aimed at a time-bound investigation on corruption cases. As per the provisions of the bill, all Delhi government officials, including the Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs will be investigated upon by the Lokpal.
A new section in 2014 Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill in the AAP's manifesto reads, “Public officials of Delhi will be required to furnish an annual declaration of assets. Any undeclared assets will be liable for confiscation.”
The anti-corruption hotline in Delhi that was implemented in January last year and pulled off after Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister will also be revived in the session. Sources reveal that, over 3,000 complaints are pending despite the AAP office having forwarded them to government agencies and departments.
A new set of volunteers will take over the helpline, guiding complainants to give in their grievances relating to corruption.
