Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Jul 3: The same political parties who had slammed the government for sidelining Ramdev's fast against corruption, today slammed the Civil Society led by Anna Hazare for taking them for a ride in the name of Lokpal Bill.

The parties who had cried foul over "Centre not serious about abolishing corruption", today again criticised the government, but for a different reason.

"Why should the government allow the Civil Society to dominate us?" they demanded.

The all-party meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence at New Delhi on Sunday July 3 afternoon. Discussions on the Lokpal Bill were held, and leaders aired their opinions.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad said, "We have been elected by India's 120 crore people...who elected the five people in the Civil Society?" he questioned.

AIADMK urged the government not to allow the Civil Society to take politicians or the government for granted.

Mayawati's BSP said that before passing the Bill on Lokpal, there should be a detailed discussion in the parliament and within political parties.

Most of the political parties were against bringing the Prime Minister under the ambit of the Lokpal Bill.

BJP favoured a strong Lokpal Bill to be passed during the forthcoming monsoon session. But it is still not clear on some of the key points of the Bill, including the issue over PM's inclusion.

CPI, RJD, BSP, AIDMK, and other parties slammed the Civil Society for dictating terms in the drafting of the Lokpal Bill.

UPA has indicated that there may be another all-party meeting, since no consensus was reached during the first meeting.