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Lokayukta takes back resignation

Change of heart:Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde

Bangalore: In a sudden turn of events, Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde on Saturday decided to withdraw his resignation submitted to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on July 23. “I will be seeking an appointment with the Governor on Sunday to convey my decision,” Mr. Hegde said.

Earlier in the day, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani spoke to Mr. Hegde and requested him to withdraw his resignation, and this was followed by a meeting between Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and BJP national president Nitin Gadkari with the Lokayukta. “I have decided to take back my resignation only for the regard I have for Mr. Advani, who is like a father figure to me. There is no politics here. Mr. Advani has assured me that the State Government will act on my demands. I hope the Yeddyurappa Government will keep its promises. If they don't, I will again be left with no other choice,” he said.

His decision to resign was trigged when Minister for Ports Krishna Palemar on June 16 recommended the suspension of Karwar Deputy Conservator of Forests R. Gokul, who had seized eight lakh tonnes of ore that was being exported illegally from Belikeri Port in Uttara Kannada district. The decision of the Chief Minister to personally call on the Lokayukta took shape after Mr. Gadkari arrived in Bangalore earlier in the day. After an hour-long discussion, Mr. Hegde came out with Mr. Yeddyrappa and Mr. Gadkari to announce his decision. “My decision has brought happiness to many who wanted me to do so, including Mr. Gokul. He actually wept on the day I decided to resign,” Mr. Hegde said.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said: “The State Government will extend all support to the Lokayukta in the investigation of illegal mining. Action will be taken against all those responsible for the mining, howsoever powerful they may be,” he said.

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