Faisal Fareed
Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Dec 28: In the wake of ongoing debate over Lokpal issue, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi blamed the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for the defeat of Constitution Amendment Bill on Lokpal on Wednesday.

Rahul was addressing an election meeting at Dharauhra in Lakhimpur on Wednesday.

Reacting strongly over the defeat of constitutional amendment bill on Lokpal, Rahul remarked: "We (Congress) wanted to have a strong Lokpal which has constitutional status like Election Commission. But BJP did not want it so they defeated it on the floor." Rahul even claimed that BJP had earlier assured that they will be
supporting the government on this issue. Rahul expressed surprise over the issue stating that senior BJP leaders were present in the parliament when voting took place and thus it was established that the action took place at their instance.

Training his gun on CM Mayawati, Rahul alleged that she had earlier termed the Food Security Bill as a drama and was interested only in power. "The real drama is taking place in Lucknow where an magic elephant is eating away all the funds sent from centre. Even in MNREGA, the funds are being siphoned away. She does not visit your house so she cannot understand the importance of Food Security Bill," claimed Rahul.

In another development, local district administration of Sitapur district issued notices to Congress government for giving details of xpenditure on rallies of party national general secretary Rahul Gandhi. The rallies were held in Sidhauli, Hargaon and Maholi of Sitapur by Rahul on December 26 which were held here. If the party fails to submit reply, the expenses of the rallies will be distributed among all the nine candidates of Congress in Sitapur.