Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 27: Political secretary of Karnataka Chief Minister, B G Puttaswamy, came down heavily on Governor, H R Bhardwaj, for creating impediment in the smooth functioning of the government on one pretext or the other. He warned the Governor not to resort to the misadventure of turning down the government’s recommendation on appointing Justie S R Bannurmath as the new state Lokayukta.

“You do not enjoy the constitutional authority to decline the government’s recommendation. Still, you seem to be making efforts to violate the Lokayukta Act. By trying to put the government into dilemma on every pretext, you are violating your limits. Threatening the government just because it is not being run as per your wishes does not behoove the gubernatorial post you are occupying,” he told the Governor, addressing a press conference here on Friday November 25.

He said that the Governor is duty-bound to accept the recommendation made by the government, and advised the latter not to continue with his efforts to project Justice Bannurmatch as tainted or corrupt. “If you say that there are allegations against Justice Bannurmath, will you resign from your post because you too face allegations of de-freezing the account of  Ottavio Quattrocchi in Bofors scam?” he questioned.  He opined that the society which allowed Justice Bannurmath to build a house in CA site meant for public use should be made responsible for the lapse if any. He felt that the Governor is trying to bring disrepute to Justice Bannurmath because of the fact that the latter hails from Lingayat community.

Puttaswamy also said that the Governor, who is expected to keep distance from the media, has forgotten his duty and responsibility to extend support to the government, and is trying to impose his personal opinions on the government. The Governor also is publicity-hungry, he said.