In yet another sign of fissure in his relations with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj has sought an "unconditional apology" from Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa over his reported remarks on illegal mining issue.
Bhardwaj sought an 'unconditional apology' citing some newspaper reports, attributing certain remarks to Yeddyurappa on Lokayukta's recommendations regarding recovery of money from former Chief Minister N Dharam Singh in a matter relating to mines leased during his term. But Yeddyurappa and his party are unfazed, saying he had not made any allegation targetting Bhardwaj, who has frequently locked horns with the BJP government.
In response to the Governor's letter seeking apology, Yeddyurappa said "I have always stated, even in the Assembly, that this decision was taken by the former Governor", he said without naming Bhardwaj's predecessor Rameshwar Thakur, adding reports stating he has accused Bhardwaj "is far from the truth and completely misleading." Yeddyurappa said he only questioned the decision taken by Thakur, despite recommendation by Lokayukta to recover around Rs 23 crore from Singh.
In his missive to Yeddyurappa, Bhardwaj said Thakur had dismissed the Lok Ayukta report by a "speaking order" on June 23
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