Chidambaram asks Hegde not to press resignation

Home Minister P Chidambaram today requested Karnataka Lokayukta head Santosh Hegde not to press his resignation, saying this would only encourage the “corrupt elements” in the state but the former Supreme Court judge made it clear that he will stick to his decision.

Chidambaram spoke to Hegde who had tendered his resignation on Wednesday citing the “callous” attitude of the BJP government in the state towards fighting corruption.

“I requested Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore in the interest of the people of Karnataka, he should not press his resignation” Chidambaram told him.

The Home Minister later told PTI that Hegde indicated he would consider the request.

In Bangalore, Hegde said his decision to quit the post of Lokayukta was final and there was no political motive behind it.

“No political motive should be ascribed to it,” Hegde, an anti-corruption crusader, said. The judge, who has received numerous requests urging him to reconsider his action, said, “This is my personal decision and it is final.”

Describing Chidambaram as an old friend and professional colleague whom he had known for decades, Hegde said, “He spoke as a friend, as an acquaintance...It was a courtesy call.”

Asked about Chidambaram’s statement that he (Hegde) had indicated that he would reconsider his decision, Hegde said, “This must be his pious hope.” He said it was not just the Union Minister, but several others, including former Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj who had asked him to withdraw his resignation.

Refuting allegations by BJP that his decision to resign was due to some political influence, he said, “Nobody can influence me.”

Soon after submitting his resignation to the Governor, Hegde had said he had no regrets over quitting office. “I am not in the habit of using resignation as a blackmail.”

Known for his crusade against corruption and the mining lobby, Hegde resigned from his post, criticising the Yeddyurappa government for its “indifference to Lokayukta institution”.

“I don’t want to be useless sitting in a position. It is not enough if I catch people. I need powers to bring cases to logical conclusion,” he said. Hegde’s resignation comes at a time when the first-ever BJP government in the south is celebrating its completion of two years in office.