The former Karnataka Lokayukta, N. Santosh Hegde, said here on Friday that he would not be a part of Team Anna if it participated in elections and canvassing.
He would be part of the team's campaign only on issues acceptable to him, Mr. Hegde told journalists.
“If something was not acceptable to me, I will not involve [myself in it]. For example, I am with them for a strong Lokpal Bill and to fight corruption. If they, for whatever reason, want me to participate in elections and canvassing, I will not do it,” he said.
Mr. Hegde reiterated that he had not quit the team, saying: “They fixed a meeting date in a short span of time; my calendar is full for this month and half of next month. Therefore, it is difficult for me to attend. Now I have to cancel this programme and go to Delhi.” He was participating in the Vigilance Week programme of the Customs, Central Excise, and Service Tax in Mangalore.
Team Anna could take up issues of electoral reforms and reforms in police and judiciary after the winter session of Parliament, he felt. “All these issues, according to me, can be taken up only after the winter session is over. Then we will know whether to continue with the protest or not.”
He, however, cast doubts on the passage of a strong Lokpal Bill in the wake of certain Union Ministers' views.
About the Right to Recall, Mr. Hegde said it should be based on the performance audit of a legislator.
