We must rise above politics to pass Lokpal - PM

New Delhi: Taking part in the Lokpal debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said corruption has made the public very angry and want to see how the Lokpal Bill is treated and appealed the MPs to pass the Bill.

"The nation awaits how we treat this Lokpal Bill," said Singh.

Appealing the House to pass the Bill, Singh said, "The course of action should reflect the sense of the House. We must rise above politics to pass this Bill."

He further said, "The task of legislation is very serious business. At the same time, we must keep in mind how public anger has manifested itself in last four years due to corruption."

"We believe in open and transparent Government, our policies are people centric policies. We have delivered the fruits of growth to everyone," said the Prime Minister.

"We are committed to fight against corruption with the Lokpal. We need a hoslistic approach in our fight against corruption," said Singh.

Emphasising that corruption has no legislature colour, the Prime Minister said, "Corruption is corruption, whether in Delhi or in the states. I appeal to leaders of all political parties to rise above partisan politics."

Manmohan Singh has also defended the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and advocated for autonomy of the central investigation agency.

"The CBI should function without any interference. But it should not be free from accountability," he said.

But the Prime Minister also said, "The CBI under Lokpal will create structure accountable to none."

Posted in: Politics