Jan Lokpal Bill discussion unlikely on Friday: Bansal

New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI) Indian government on Friday said a
discussion on Jan Lokpal Bill as demanded by Anna Hazare may
not be possible in Lok Sabha during the day but added nothing
can be ruled out.
"I am afraid as of now there does not seem to be any
likelihood of it (Jan Lokpal Bill) being taken up today
because no notice has been given by any member nor does the
revised list of business carries the item for discussion,"
Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal told reporters here.
"I am not saying that there will be no discussion but it
looks less likely today because of other businesses, including
private members' bill," he said.
There are rules and procedures to be followed and some
member has to give notice for discussion. It can be given from
our side, by a Congress member, he said.
Asked whether this meant that there will be no
discussion, he said "no, I am not saying that. There will be a
discussion but it has to be decided when and how to do it."
On Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assurances Thursday
on a discussion in the House and the situation in view of the
deteriorating health of Hazare, he said, he would also like
the Gandhian to call off his fast.
Asked whether he rules out the possibility of the
disccusuion on Friday, Bansal said he was not ruling out such
a possibility because it can be worked out and if a decision
is taken, media will get to know.
"I hope Anna's health does not deteriorate further and he
breaks his fast. The Prime Minister appealed emotionally to
him yesterday that the nation is with you. What more can
Parliament do," he said as the Gandhian's fast for a strong
Lokpal entered the 11th day.
Indian Law Minister Salman Khurshid met Finance Minister
Pranab Mukherjee to discuss a way out to end the deadlock.
"We want a collaborative, cooperative resolution in the
House. The whole House must be party to it," he said.
Indian government sources last night said that a motion
will be brought to facilitate a combined discussion on the
Lokpal Bill, the Jan Lokpal Bill brought out by Hazare as also
the drafts prepared by activist Aruna Roy and Jai Prakash
Narain.
Consultations were under way on the exact wording of the
motion, they said.
Team Anna had last night reached out to BJP which said a
solution to the impasse could be found in consonance with the
Constitution if the government has a "constructive" attitude.