Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday requested Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde not to press his resignation, saying this would only encourage the “corrupt elements” in the State. The former Supreme Court judge, however, made it clear that he would stick to his decision.
Mr. Chidambaram spoke to Justice Hegde, who tendered his resignation on Wednesday, citing the “callous” attitude of the BJP government in the State in fighting corruption.
“I requested [Justice] Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore, in the interests of the people of Karnataka, he should not press his resignation,” Mr. Chidambaram said.
