PATNA: Leader of opposition in the state assembly Abdul Bari Siddiqui on Friday took potshots at CM Nitish Kumar for planning to bring in the Bihar Lokayukta Bill during the current winter session of the state legislature, even as leaders of opposition parties, at an all-party meeting convened earlier last month to deliberate on the matter, had suggested that the bill be introduced in the two Houses during the budget session early next year.

The state cabinet on Thursday gave its nod to Bihar Lokayukta Bill, after which it has been sent to governor Devanand Konwar for his consent since it was a money bill. The bill would be tabled in the two Houses for passage on any day during the winter session after the governor's consent for introduction.

"The CM is indulging in one-upmanship on the national canvas. He wants to be first in the country to get the Lokayukta Bill made into an act," Siddiqui said, adding: "He is in utter haste."

According to him, the Bihar Lokayukta Bill made into an act in "utter haste" would not be foolproof, and, therefore, the government would be forced to make a slew of amendments. He said that the leaders of opposition parties at the all-party meeting had impressed on the CM that the Centre was in the process of making a "strong Lokpal", which could also have a bearing on the Bihar Lokayukta.

"We are not opposed to Lokayukta. Rather, we favour a strong Lokayukta for the state," Siddiqui said, adding: "Our suggestions were practical and they should have been heeded."

Siddiqui also took exception to the short winter session of the state legislature, which would have only three days next week for conducting its business. He said the government was concerned merely about completing legislative business, but the opposition members would not be able to raise matters of public importance - acute fertilizer scarcity, rising crime graph, obstacles to paddy procurement, debilitating condition of farmers etc. "We will not have time and opportunity for this," he added.

On the day, Congress, CPI and other opposition members of the state assembly had an informal discussion with Siddiqui on floor coordination, and would meet again before the House meets on Monday. Aware of the mood of the opposition, NDA members had their own legislature party meeting, chaired by CM Nitish Kumar.

The House, earlier, adjourned to meet again on Monday after making obituary reference to eminent people who died recently.

TOI, Patna