Lokpal Bill passed by Lok Sabha; Anna Hazare celebrates

The Lokpal Bill, passed Tuesday by the Rajya Sabha, was also passed by Lok Sabha today with clear majority on Wednesday. 

The Samajwadi Party opted to walk out of the House in protest over its passage. "No clerk will sign any files... there will be anarchy and no work will get done," claims Mulayam Singh Yadav. "In a democracy, the people's representatives are supreme.This bill will allow a cop to come and heckle us."

It will now be sent to the President for his approval.

Anna Hazare who had been fasting for a stronger anti-corruption bill, celebrated the passage.

A satisfied Hazare breaks his fast.  He has thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "commitment" towards the passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

"All parties who supported this Lokpal Bill for the benefit of the society and the country, I thank them," he said in an address at  his fast venue in Ralegan Siddhi. "The poor will get justice. 40-50% of the corruption can be controlled through this Bill," claimed Hazare. 

"Lokpal must now become a law before the Lok Sabha elections," he urged. "We will form a watchdog body to oversee enforcement of the Lokpal law."

"The country awaits a strong Lokpal," Hazare had said in a letter to Rahul. Hazare said, "I accept it completely. The Bill will help the poor people of this country."

Lokpal coming after 46 years of wait! 8 times earlier it could not make it, But making it the 9 th time! Jai Ho. Jai Hind!

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) December 17, 2013

After number of decades Lok Pal is a reality. Congratulations to all those who made it possible. Kejriwal should gracefully accept it.

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) December 18, 2013

All respect to those who worked for Lokpal Bill. Credit posturing will begin now, but fact is: No 28 seats for AAP = No Lokpal bill passed.

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 18, 2013

#LokpalBill now passed in #LokSabha, voice of #India has been heard. Congratulating all

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) December 18, 2013

The #Lokpal is now a reality. Credit goes to every Indian. While it is a welcome law, it also takes each of us to act to kill corruption

— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) December 18, 2013

Sonia Gandhi hail passage of Lokpal Bill. Read here

Lokpal bill is historic, landmark step, stated Manmohan Singh. Read here

However, Kejriwal has expressed his opposition to the Bill and Hazare's acceptance. "I'm really surprised. How can Anna accept sarkari Lokpal Bill? Sarkari Lokpal is a 'jokepal'. Who is misguiding him?" he said.