BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday told the Legislative Assembly that the Government would shortly take steps to appoint a Lokayukta. It was not for a vacuum to exist for long in respect of that office.

They were responding to a matter raised by Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh during the Zero Hour and spiked all reports over serious differences between the two coalition partners — the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Bharatiya Janata Party — on whether the Government reappoint N. Venkatachala or consider another person befitting that office. They said there was nothing wrong in people airing their views in a democracy.

Mr. Venkatachala demitted office on Saturday after serving for five years.

Second term

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the appointment of a new Lokayukta would be in accordance with law but refrained from spelling out whether the Government would consider a second term for Mr. Venkatachala. The Government would consult Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, presiding officers and Leaders of the Opposition in the two Houses of the legislature before finalising the appointment. The matter would also be discussed in detail between the leaders of the coalition parties and in the Cabinet.

Mr. Yediyurappa said there was nothing wrong in his expressing views on reappointing Mr. Venkatachala. It did not tantamount to a reflection on the understanding between the coalition partners. "Let me tell all those who have any doubts on this Government that it will complete its term. The coalition is strong and there is no problem between the two partners," he said.

He said the Government was thankful to Mr. Venkatachala for his efforts in instilling fear among corrupt government employees. He had played a big role in checking corruption. It was in that background that the BJP felt that he should be given another term.

Even with regard to the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project, the BJP had only expressed its opinion and felt that only the excess land given to Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise should be reclaimed. Airing such views did not mean that there were differences between the coalition partners, he said.

Differences

Earlier, Mr. Dharam Singh said it was apparent that there were differences between the ruling parties as the Chief Minister was expressing one opinion and the Deputy Chief Minister and his associates, including Health Minister, R. Ashok, another. The ruling parties should discuss such matters in the Cabinet and not through the media. "You can fight inside the Cabinet Hall but when you come out the two parties should learn to speak in one voice. What is the message that you convey to the people? This is not the first time. Even with reference to the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project the Janata Dal (S) and the BJP struck discordant notes," he said.

He said under the existing Lokayukta Act it was imperative for the Government to hold consultations with Chief Justice, presiding officers and Leaders of the Opposition in the legislature before selecting anyone. Through their recent statements, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister had conveyed to the people that they were not conversant with the law pertaining to the Lokayukta, he said.

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