New Delhi, December 13
The much-delayed Bill to provide an institutional mechanism to tackle graft by setting up a Lokpal (ombudsman) was moved today by the Manmohan Singh government for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha where it has been lying for the last two years.

Fractious politics and disruptions in the House resulted in the debate over the Bill being stalled even after the BJP had publicly declared its willingness to legislate without any discussion.

Members of the Samajwadi Party rushed to the well of the House demanding discussion on price rise while those from the Telugu Desam Party spoke against the division of Andhra Pradesh. Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien adjourned the House for the day in the post-lunch session as the Minister for Personnel V Narayanasamy was explaining the reasons behind the decision of the government in accepting majority of the 15 recommendations made by the Select Committee.