Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jul 6: State Lokayukta, Justice N Santosh Hegde, has regretted his statement that he had withdrawn his resignation at the instance of BJP leader, L K Advani, whom he respects as a father figure. “I resigned because of the pressure brought upon me by people from all sections of the society. I did not bend to the wishes of L K Advani alone. I have made a mistake in issuing the impugned statement, and I regret it. If the people still feel that I should not have withdrawn my resignation, I am prepared to reconsider my decision. I also apologize to the Governor for issuing a statement about withdrawing my resignation, without consulting him on the issue,” he stated.

The statement made by Justice Hegde that he had decided to withdraw his resignation from the post at the instance of L K Advani, who he said he respects as a father figure, had drawn flak from some political parties and sections of the society.

In the meanwhile, state Governor, H R Bhardwaj, has sent intimations to both the houses of the state legislature, asking them to pass resolutions urging Justice N Santosh Hegde to withdraw his resignation from the post of Lokayukta. This instruction was sent under the powers delegated to him under section 175 of the Indian Constitution, it is learnt.

In the meanwhile, minister for ports, Krishna J Palemar, who is in the eye of a storm for his recommendation to suspend a top official connected with the Lokayukta investigation into illegal transportation and export of iron ore from Belekeri port, met the Lokayukta on Monday July 5, and explained to him the position. It is learnt that the minister told Justice Hegde that his letter about deputy forest conservator of Karwar, Gokul, to the Chief Minister, has no relevance whatsoever to the case of missing ore. Palemar clarified, that he had met the Lokayukta to clear misconceptions about his role in the controversy. “I had recommended action against the said officer because of his arrogance in not attending a meeting convened by me, and not for his role in the investigation into the illegal ore,” Palemar said later.