NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – – India’s parliament voted yesterday for the appointment of a powerful anti-graft ombudsman to investigate wrongdoing in government, ending years of dithering, as public anger has mounted over a string of corruption scandals.
The ruling Congress party, which suffered big losses in state elections over the past month in part over allegations of a pervasive culture of corruption, rushed through the Lokpal or ombudsman bill in the upper house of parliament.
“We must listen to the voices outside the House. I hope that the bill creates history,” said Law Minister Kapil Sibal after the bill was cleared by a voice vote.
It will now go to the lower house of parliament for final passage on Wednesday.
India is due to hold a national election by next May, and corruption and clean governance are expected to be top campaign issues.
