India approves historic anti-corruption law
The Lokpal, or watchdog, bill will allow an independent ombudsman to prosecute politicians and civil servants
India’s parliament on Wednesday passed legislation to create a powerful anti-graft watchdog following a mass anti-corruption movement that swept the country in 2011 and spurred politicians into action.
The ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined forces in the lower house in a rare display of unity to create a corruption ombudsman in the lower decision-making house of parliament.
BJP house leader Sushma Swaraj praised “the people of this country” for achieving the passage of the bill.
Passage of the bill comes as general elections are due in May.
Voters have become increasingly incensed by a string of corruption scandals that have engulfed the nation.
A stunning poll performance by an upstart party whose mission is to clean up dirty politics gave extra momentum to passage of the Lokpal or ombudsman bill.
Civil servant-turned-corruption fighter Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party – Common Man Party – trounced Congress in state polls in Delhi this month.