BJP today said it found considerable merit in three contentious issues raised by Team Anna, including covering the entire bureaucracy and Citizens' Charter for public grievances under Lok Pal and favoured Lokayuktas in the states.
However, it said inclusion of Prime Minister under Lok Pal should be with the exception of certain areas like national security.
These views were forcefully expressed by Arun Jaitley, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha during debate on the Lok Pal issue in the House.
Besides, the party was against the phone-tapping powers to be given to any institution, except in matters of national security. Jaitley said it was conveyed to Team Anna when they met the party leaders.
Jaitley found "greater merit" in having a Citizens' Charter for redressal of grievances of the common man. He said several state governments have already started work in this area.
On the demand of the Anna Hazare-led civil society for having the entire bureaucracy under the Lok Pal, he said there is considerable merit in it. "All public servants must be made accountable... When we are including the Prime Minister (in the Lok Pal)..."
Responding to a specific enquiry by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee whether there can be a central law for Lokayuktas in the states, Jaitley, an eminent lawyer, said there can be enabling laws. While there is merit in this, Lokayuktas should not be appointed by the Centre.
Jaitley said, "We have heard some not-so-complimentary statements against MPs" and urged members to show maturity without getting provoked.
"We are at the cross-roads, no doubt. An agitation is going on. All of us want this agitation to end," Mukherjee said.
"Please give your considered view on the issues raised. If these are resolved, perhaps it may be possible for Shri Anna Hazare to take a view. Let us have a discussion," the senior Congress leader said, asking MPs to "rise to the occasion."
Reminding the lawmakers that when they enter Parliament, they take oath to abide by the Constitution, he told them to "uphold the Constitution" and whatever they do, should be within the framework of Constitution.
Describing the debate as "one of the rare occasions when proceedings" of Parliament are drawing the attention of the entire nation and "perhaps outside also", Mukherjee said "the largest functional democracy of the world is at a very crucial stage and keeping that in view", there should be an "objective discussion".
Underlining the need for resolving the impasse in view of urgency of the matter, he urged the lawmakers to "try to find out a solution within the Constitutional framework without compromising the Parliamentary supremacy in the matter of legislature."
He asked members to give considered views on the issues like Team Hazare's demands for creation of a Lok Ayukta, Public Grievances and Citizen Charter and brining lower bureaucracy under Lok Pal, urging them not to indulge in 'trivialities'.
Affirming government's keenness on having a strong anti-corruption law, he said, "If this House collectively leads to a process of consensus-building, we will be part of consensus-making and not consensus-breaking. We will like to go with the wishes of the House."