The Lokpal – or watch dog – bill was defeated in the Upper House. The lawmakers accused each other of not really wanting to pass the Lokpal bill. The anti-graft bill which was passed in the Lower House aimed at setting up an ombudsman to monitor the government.
The bill was introduced by the Congress-led government after Anna Hazare, 74, mounted a successful mass movement to end corruption. The government has been rocked by a series of scams including the controversy over a multi-billion dollar sale of 2G spectrum licences.
Political analysts blamed the Congress Party for not being able to rein in its own coalition partners – Trinamool Congress.
Mr Anna Hazare retreated to Maharashtra to plan his next move. He recently abandoned a hunger strike due to bad health and poor turnout.
See previous blog: India – The Lokpal bill
