BJP demands resignation of the UPA govt on moral grounds

With the Constitution Amendment Bill on Lokpal failing in Lok Sabha, BJP tonight demanded resignation of the UPA government on moral grounds.

"Government should resign on moral grounds. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has no moral right to continue in office," BJP leader Yashwant Sinha told reporters after the embarassing development for the government.

He noted that the government could not muster even simple majority of 273 votes in favour as it managed only 250 votes on the crucial legislation.

"Rahul Gandhi's dream has been shattered. This shows the monumental inefficiency of this government.

"I had said during my speech that Prime Minister spoke as if he was making his farewell speech. If any morality left is left in them, they should quit," Sinha said.

On the attack by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee for the defeat of the bill, he said he was indulging in politics.

Sinha said it was the government's responsibility to ensure the requisite numbers in the House and not that of the Opposition.

CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said the government should "look into the mirror" as it could not mobilise the required strength for the Constitution Amendment Bill.

He said the Lokpal was no more a Lokpal "but only its caricature".