Jamshedpur, July 10: For the Seraikela royal family, the Lokpal Bill, which has been in the thick of controversy over the past few months, is more than just something that envisages the enactment of a strong anti-corruption law.

The bill — when it finally becomes an act — will see the fulfilment of the wishes of a dead relative and former MP, who had fought hard to introduce a Lokpal (ombudsman) way back in 1965 but failed to get support in Parliament.

Pratap Keshri Deo, then leader of Opposition (he was the member of Swatantra Party) and MP from Kalahandi constituency in Orissa, who introduced the non-official Lokpal Bill in the first session of the fourth Lok Sabha in 1965, is the maternal uncle of Seraikela dynasty’s scion Brij Bhan Singh Deo.

In the run-up to the introduction of the new Lokpal Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament and amid growing clamour for a sterner ombudsman, Brij Bhan Singh shares with The Telegraph how the idea of framing the first bill was discussed at their family palace in Seraikela.

“My maternal uncle, Pratap Keshri, used to frequently visit the palace. He shared a great rapport with my late grandfather, Maharaja Aditya Pratap Singh, and used to discuss politics and corruption with him. In fact, when Pratap Singh and several other leaders thought of forming Ganatantra Parishad — the first Opposition party of India — in Orissa in 1952, he took my grandfather’s advice. There were several sittings at Seraikela palace to discuss formation of the party. Ganatantra Parishad went on to put up a good show in the Orissa Assembly elections in 1952 and 1957, and also in the 1962 general elections,” Brij Bhan, a Chhau exponent, painter and social activist, said.

“Pratap Keshri and my grandfather had also joined hands to protest against merger of Seraikela and Kharsawan with Bihar. They wanted Seraikela-Kharsawan to be with Orissa and made a strong presentation to State Reorganisation Committee on the ground that Seraikela-Kharsawan had historical links with Mayurbhanj of Orissa and had a majority of Oriya speaking populace. The Maharaja also encouraged my uncle to do something to get rid of corruption in Indian polity,” he added.

He further informed that Swatantra Party was formed in 1962 and Ganatantra Parishad was merged with it to form the largest Opposition party during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister.

“The non-official Lokpal Bill was introduced in the first session of the fourth Lok Sabha by Pratap Keshri 1965. This bill was categorised as Classified-A by the Committee on Private Members Bill. However, when the bill came for consideration after 15 days, there was opposition from the treasury benches on technical grounds. They argued that clauses like the President’s prior recommendation before the consideration stage were absent. This was necessary as the bill envisaged financial commitment by the government. Pratap Keshri moved a substitute motion that the bill be circulated to elicit public opinion. But it could not see light of the day due to political manoeuvring,” said the Seraikela scion.

Now, Brij Bhan wants the Centre to give due recognition to his uncle’s efforts. “I just hope that the first bill is considered along with the government’s proposed bill and Anna Hazare’s and civil society’s recommendations before enacting a strong legislation,” he said.