The Rajya Sabha has taken up the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 for discussion. Earlier Law Minister Kapil Sibal gave details about the salient features of the Bill. He asked the members to rise above political considerations and help the smooth passage of the Bill.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley has pointed out that there should not be religion-based reservations in the institution of the proposed Lokpal. Initiating a discussion on the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, he also wanted the rephrasing of the clause relating to search and seizure operations in the Bill. He said that his party is willing to sit with the government to iron out differences on these issues. Mr Jaitley urged other political parties not to politicize the Bill and said this is not a criminal law but only meant for ensuring better civilian administration services.

Satish Chandra Mishra of the BSP defended the reservations for minorities and weaker sections. He congratulated the government for incorporating the provisions relating to the reservations in the Bill.

Meanwhile Samajwadi Party members staged a walkout, saying that the proposed legislation is not in the interest of the country. Senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav expressed apprehension that the Bill will tarnish the image of politicians. He said there is every possibility that a Parliamentarian is likely to be charged with corruption in dealing with MP Local Area Development Fund, meant for the development of his or her constituency. He appealed to the government to reconsider its decision.