Rahul right,constitution status for Lokpal main aim: Congress

Party dismisses Opposition allegation that Gandhi's idea was a tactic to delay the process.

Dismissing suggestions that Rahul Gandhi’s idea of giving constitutional status to Lokpal Bill was a delaying tactic by the Congress,the ruling party made it clear that it was for the collective wisdom of the Standing Committee and Parliament to accept the proposal.

The party supports Rahul Gandhi’s idea. Incorporating it in the Bill will not take much time nor involve any technicalities, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters here.

He said to do this a line needs to be added on the proposal to include Lokpal in the list of institutions having Constitutional status in the proposed Bill if Parliament agreed.

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It is for the collective wisdom of the Standing Committee and the Parliament to accept it, Dwivedi added.

Echoing similar views,party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said at the AICC briefing that giving constitutional status will be the ultimate destination but that does not prevent Lokpal to be a statutory body for the time being.

It asserted that Congress has made its stand clear through Gandhi that it would like the Lokpal to be even more stronger in the shape of a constitutional body.

He dismissed Opposition allegation that Gandhi’s idea was a tactic to delay the process.

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Asked whether Gandhi’s suggestion would be considered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee which is headed by him,Singhvi said all kinds of suggestions and views are important for the standing committee and they would look into them with equal importance.

He said the Congress has resolved to enact a strong Lokpal legislation and Gandhi has expressed the resolve for even a more elevated body by giving it a constitutional status which is our ultimate endeavour.

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