Bhushan challenges Kejriwal to debate on Janlokpal Bill

Intensifying attack against the ruling Aam Aadmi Patry (AAP) over the Janlokpal Bill, former party leader Prashant Bhushan on Sunday said that “contrary to the claims” made by the Arvind Kejriwal government, the proposed legislation is “completely” different from its 2014 version. 

He said the Bill increases the say of the government in the appointment and removal of the ombudsman and brings under its ambit Union government’s functionaries, among other “glaring” differences. Bhushan dared the Chief Minister to an open debate on the matter.

Following the allegations, the AAP hit out at Bhushan and said his attack goes on to prove the “collaboration” between him and the BJP.   AAP spokesperson Ashutosh questioned as to why Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, also expelled from AAP, did not protest against PM Narendra Modi for not appointing Lokpal at the Centre. “AAP brings LOKPAL PB,YY,SB decide to stage a protest? Why? Double standard? Do you need more proof of collaboration between them-BJP. Modi has not appointed LOKPAL for last 18 months but Prashant, Yogendra, Shanti did not have time to criticise/protest till date. Why?” he tweeted.

Releasing a comparative study of several Lokpal Bills and Acts, including the Delhi Janlokpal Bill 2014, Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, Centre’s Lokpal Act and Team Anna’s Janlokpal draft, Bhushan said the Bill cleared by the current Delhi Cabinet was the “worst” of all.

Meanwhile, functionaries in the AAP government refused to comment on the charges levelled by Bhushan at a press conference at his Noida residence.

Bhushan, flanked by his father Shanti Bhushan said the AAP government has deliberately included the provisions for initiating proceedings against Union Ministers and officials to stoke confrontation.