Expressing displeasure over the circumstances leading to the resignation of Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on Thursday urged the State Government to act on the Lokayukta's demands and prevail upon him to withdraw his resignation.
Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a public function here, Mr. Bhardwaj said the Lokayukta's resignation should not be accepted. “I told him (Mr. Hegde) that I cannot permit him to resign. However, he did not yield to my requests. The Government must show some gesture in this regard. People need more Hegdes to work for Karnataka. I have already spoken to him as a friend,” he said.
Asked about the Lokayukta's report on illegal mining, Mr. Bhardwaj said he took it “very seriously”. “I even reported it to the President and the Election Commission. Mining is a major problem in the State. It is important for the State Government to ensure that public grievances institutions function without any hitch. What is functioning in the State properly? Neither the human rights commission nor the Lokayukta.” “Mr. Hegde is sacrificing himself. I don't like resignations from such eminent persons. The Government must take affirmative action to show that they want him to continue as the Lokayukta,” he added.
Hegde's stand
Meanwhile, Mr. Hegde said, “So far nobody from the Government has approached me on my resignation.”
On Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa's assurance to consider all his demands, Mr. Hegde said he could comment only after action was taken.
