BANGALORE: Firing a fresh salvo against the state government over the delay in the appointment of the Lokayukta, Governor HR Bhardwaj on Saturday said, “Some persons who were named in illegal mining scam are trying to destablise the anti-corruption institution. The government is intentionally misinterpreting the Lokayukta rules and norms as seen in the case of appointment of Upa Lokayukta.”The Governor told reporters at Raj Bhavan here, “My argument is simple — it should be independent and inspiring confidence. While the whole nation is witnessing a campaign against corruption and the need for strengthening the Lokayukta institution, how can I allow it to become weak? The Supreme Court has categorically stated that an able person must be appointed through consultation and legal advice. The suggestion of Opposition leaders of the state Assembly and the Council, presiding officer of the Legislative Council and Chief Justice of High Court should be taken,” the Governor said, charging that their advice had not been taken even during the appointment of Upa Lokayukta. Pointing out that the courts were coming down heavily on the government, he said, “The government should take responsibility for the whole mess.”The Governor said six Supreme Court judges had retired recently and the government can take a call on selecting any one of them for the Lokayukta post.“There is no constitutional deadlock over the appointment of Lokayukta,” he said when asked whether there was rift between the Governor and the government.Asked about the Dr Balasubramanyam report on government land encroachment, Bhardwaj said he had written to the government but was yet to get a reply.On the porngate scandal, the Governor said the Speaker was the custodian of the state Legislature and it was up to to him to act. “All parties can together ask the Speaker to take action against the guilty,” he said.He said FIRs have been filed against three ministers and hinted that there were many such ministers in the Cabinet.
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