The Prime Minister today asserted that Parliament is the sole authority to draft any legislation. Making an identical statement in both the Houses of Parliament on events following the arrest of social activist Anna Hazare, he clarified that the government does not seek any confrontation with any section of the society on different shades of opinion. Dr Manmohan Singh made it clear it is the bounden duty of the government to maintain peace and tranquility. Defending Delhi Police, he said that it took the minimum steps necessary to maintain law and order situation in the national capital. Pointing to the series of events that led to the arrest of Team Anna, Dr Singh said the civil society members question the Constitutional principles and claim a right to impose their Jan Lok Pal Bill upon Parliament. He said the path Anna Hazare has chosen is totally misconceived and fraught with grave consequences for the parliamentary democracy. He made it clear the government has initiated many measures to fight corruption. On the events of on Tuesday, Dr Singh said a functional democracy must allow multiple voices be heard. He, however, said differences of opinion must be resolved through dialogue and consensus. Referring to his Independence Day speech, he reminded Parliament that there is a need to deal effectively with corruption. Assuring that UPA is determined to provide a government which is transparent, accountable and responsive, the Prime Minister called upon the members across the spectrum to join hands to deal with the cancer of corruption. Stating that many forces would not like to see India realize its true place in the Comity of Nations as an emerging economy, Dr Singh sounded a word of caution that the economic progress of the country should not be allowed to be hijacked by internal dissension. The Prime Minister made a fervent appeal to the opposition parties to allow the smooth functioning of Parliament so that important legislations are passed for the benefit of Aam Aadmi. Responding to the Prime Minister's statement in Lok Sabha, leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj criticised the government for not involving the Opposition in drafting of the Lok Pal Bill. She alleged that the Prime Minister's statement did not reflect the facts properly. In his response in the Rajya Sabha, the leader of the Opposition, Arun Jaitley asked the Government to allow Anna Hazare to hold a peaceful protest. He alleged that the government lacked political will to curb the menace. AIR Parliamentary Correspondent reports that there were heated exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches which led to the adjournment of the two Houses briefly.