CM to study Lokayukta report before implementing it

D V Sadananda Gowda, who took charge as the chief minister of Karnataka, here this evening said he needs time to study the Lokayukta report on illegal mining before implementing the recommendations.

“I will study the recommendations of the Lokayuka report before implementing it. However, the law will take its course of action,” Gowda said. Addressing his maiden press conference after taking charge as chief minister, here this evening, he expressed confidence to solve serious divisions plaguing the BJP even as the defeated faction in the party stepped up its rebellious stance to ensure its continuance in the government.

The new chief minister has a challenging task of uniting all the legislators from the Jagadish Shettar group in the party and form a balanced council of his ministers. He is likely to visit Delhi tomorrow and hold discussions with the national leaders before announcing his cabinet expansion.

The Shettar camp has already placed demand for plum portfolios in the cabinet fearing that Yeddyurappa followers could occupy these positions. The followers of Shettar have set up an informal committee comprising of ministers — R Ashok, Govind Karjol, Karunakara Reddy and Balachandra Jarkiholi to work out their future strategy. The group is asking for important portfolios like home, public works, revenue, industry and finance for their members.

Gowda on Wednesday morning met Shettar to sort out the differences. But, the rebel faction stuck to their demands. In fact, Shettar even refused to accept the position of deputy chief minister which was offered to him by the party following his defeat for the chief ministerial post.

Gowda also said development and good governance are on top of the agenda for his government in the state.

“In the last three years and two months,Yeddyurappa government has created several firsts in the country in terms of development and implementation of people’s welfare programmes,” Gowda said.

The new government will adopt the development model of the preceding government and strive to achieve further progress by consolidating the development accomplished already,” Gowda said.