Congress reaches out to Trinamool on Lokpal issue

Amid indications that the government may not be able to get the Lokpal bill through in the Rajya Sabha, Congress today made a fervent appeal to UPA ally Trinamool Congress to give the legislation a chance despite differing perceptions.

"Perceptions may be different but allow it to be operationalised. Allow this legislation to work its way though the system. It may end up proving you wrong. Let us not throw the baby along with the bath water," party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters here.

He was asked to comment on the Trinamool Congress' insistence on the amendments in the bill and why Congress failed to take the ally on board on the issue.

The Congress spokesperson also targeted the oppostion particularly BJP over the issue saying that by opposing the bill, it has given a message to the country that neither its conscience nor intent is clear on the issue.

"UPA demonstrated its substance and intent by bringing the bill while the opposition particularly the BJP has demonstrated cussedness by opposing the bill....Today it is the intent of the Opposition which is under test ," Tewari said but hoped that wisdom would ultimately prevail and the Bill would be allowed to go through.

He was also critical of the BJP for its statement that it was not the Opposition party's job to fulfil Rahul Gandhi's vision (of Constitutional status to Lokpal).

"This is an unfortunate and sad statement inspired by petty politics that this proposal be opposed only because Rahul Gandhi mooted it," Tewari said.

Pointed out that the Trinamool Congress is sticking to its demand for moving amendments in the bill, Tewari said, "amendments can be brought in any legislation but that does not mean that the law is not passed. If there are certain lacunae, they can be examined even later on."