The Samajwadi Party today gave a clear indication that it would not allow the Rajya Sabha to debate the Lokpal Bill saying unless the issue of price rise is discussed it will not allow the House to function.
"We have given a notice for discussion on price rise. First that should be taken and then any other issue. Till price rise is discussed we will not allow any other work to be done in the House," SP's Rajya Sabha member Ramgopal Yadav told reporters outside Parliament.
On the other hand, the BJP insisted that all parties should agree to maintain decorum in the Upper House and participate in the debate on Lokpal Bill.
"BJP wants the Lokpal Bill to be passed. We request all members to maintain peace in the House and allow the debate to take place. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley will present BJP's views on the Bill when the debate takes place," Deputy Leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
The BJP has conveyed to the Government and the Chair that Jaitley will put forth his views even if there is a din in the House.
Asked about SP's insistence on a debate on price rise, Prasad said even BJP wants a debate on issues like rising inflation and Augusta Westland deal but Lokpal Bill is also an important issue and should be debated.
Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare is on indefinite hunger strike in Ralegan Siddhi to press for early passage in Parliament of Jan Lokpal Bill.
