Kiran Bedi takes potshots at PM over mention of Lokpal in I-Day speech

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Former police officer Kiran Bedi on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday over the mention of the Lokpal Bill in his speech on the occasion of the 66th Independence Day.

Bedi alleged that a weak and fragmented bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

"He didn't inform the public that fragmented and weak bill was passed. Opposition parties had moved amendments in the Rajya Sabha, but the Rajya Sabha was suspended at 12 (in 2011 December)," she said.

Bedi said the government had one more opportunity to bring suitable amendments in the select committee to empower the Lokpal.

She urged the Prime Minister to bring the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) within the ambit of Lokpal and its appointments process independent of the government.

"The government and the Prime Minister have one more opportunity to rectify the mistakes and shortcomings in the Lokpal bill. They have an opportunity to bring amendments in the select committee as demanded by public. They had kept the CBI under their control and its appointment," added Bedi.Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the 17th century-built Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, Dr. Singh said that his government believes that the difficult problems, which India faces, can be resolved only with the cooperation of the common man. "It will be our endeavour that in the coming time, still more people help us in tasks like removal of poverty, illiteracy and inequality," he added. Dr. Singh further said it is his commitment to make the work of the government and administration transparent and accountable stands. "On the last Independence Day, I promised you that we would take many steps for this purpose. I am happy to state that during the last 1 year we have achieved good progress in this area. The Lok Sabha has cleared the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill. We hope that all political parties will help us in passing this Bill in the Rajya Sabha," he added.

Dr. Singh further informed that a number of other bills have also been presented before the Parliament.

"The Cabinet has cleared a Public Procurement Bill. We will continue our efforts to bring more transparency and accountability in the work of public servants and to reduce corruption. But we will also take care that these measures do not result in a situation in which the morale of public functionaries taking decisions in public interest gets affected because of baseless allegations and unnecessary litigation," he added. (ANI)