In Rajya Sabha,allies Trinamool,DMK oppose Lokpal Bill

He said the party has moved amendments to delete the clauses (63 to 97) of the bill,which deal with setting up of the Lokayuktas in the states. “I would request the government to delete chapter three (related to Lokayuktas) in its entirety,” Roy said.

Trinamool has six members in the Upper House where the UPA does not have a majority.

Roy said the bill in its original form did not have the provision relating to the Lokayukutas. “Suddenly and surprisingly it became Lokpal/Lokayukutas,” he said,adding Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee,conveying the ‘sense of the House’ on August 27,had asked whether states would want separate law for the ombudsman.

Roy said the Trinamool was with the government,but its opposition was to the extent of the Lokpal Bill seeking to encroach on state autonomy.

He said Trinamool was opposing the bill on merit. That is why,he said,the party did not join the “jamboree outside” where the Vaampanthi (Left) and Rampanthi (BJP-RSS) joined hands.

He said eminent jurists had suggested preserving the states’ autonomy even before Parliamentary Standing Committee.

DMK,another important ally of the government,too cautioned the UPA not to attempt a legislation which undermines states.

“I support the bill on behalf of DMK. However,we need an explanation from the government. We are concerned to some extent. The Centre should not encroach upon or tresspass into the territory of the states,” T Siva (DMK) said.