Karnataka governor rejects Lokayukta's resignation

Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj has rejected the resignation of the state's Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde. Sources in the Raj Bhavan, while refusing to reveal details about the governor's decision, confirmed that Justice Hegde's resignation had been rejected.

When contacted, Justice Hegde refused to comment on the issue.

The Lokayukta had tendered his resignation on Wednesday citing the failure of the government to protect the interest of the institution.

Earlier in the day, Hegde slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government for reneging on its electoral promise of arming the institution with more powers after Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa remained non-committal on the issue.

"Why did they (BJP) promise in their election manifesto that they will give more powers (to Lokayukta)," he said.

Hegde's statement came after Yeddyurappa told reporters that he could not give any commitment about granting suo motu powers to the Lokayukta.

"Hegde's resignation was unexpected and unfortunate. It has hurt me also. (But) I cannot commit myself on the matter (granting suo motu powers to Lokayukta). I am not a dictator. We have to weigh the pros and cons. It has to be discussed in the Cabinet," Yeddyurappa had said.

Reacting to the chief minister's comment, Hegde said, "These are only excuses or rather a way of being polite in saying, I will not give it. If they wanted to, the government could have convened a cabinet meeting and passed orders."

Hegde, known for his crusade against corruption and the mining lobby, had on Wednesday resigned from his post and flayed the ruling BJP for its 'indifference' towards the Lokayukta, meant for redressal of citizens' grievances against government officials.

Meanwhile, Hegde's resignation has created a furore in the state with various sections, including politicians and advocates, protesting against the government.

A large number of people today thronged the Lokayukta office in Bengaluru and urged Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge, to withdraw his resignation.

With inputs from PTI