As things are getting murkier over the alleged corruption charges, pressure is mounting on Karnataka lokayukta Y Bhakar Rao to demit his office on moral grounds. After many twists and turns on Thursday, the main Opposition parties — both the BJP and the JDS — have started signature campaign at the ongoing Monsoon Session at Belagavi to urge Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa to allow adjournment motion over lokayukta issue. leaders of both the parties are demanding the probe to be handed over to the CBI and also sought the resignation of Bhaskar Rao.
It is very clear that pressure is mounting from all the corners for the resignation of the Karnataka lokayukta on moral grounds as his son Y Ashwin Rao is allegedly involved in Rs1 crore ‘bribe deal’. A BJP delegation led by lok Sabha Member PC Mohan met Governor Vajubhai Vala and urged him to seek resignation of the lokayukta to maintain sanity of the institution which was set up to fight against corruption. The delegation also appealed to the Governor to direct the State Government to handover the investigation to CBI to unearth the truth.
The Chief Minister, responding to the demand by the Opposition parties in the Upper House, reiterated the State Government’s inability under the lokayukta Act to refer the case to the CBI for investigation. The Opposition parties staged a walkout in the legislative Council due to frequent interruption by the ruling party members during submission on adjournment motion allowed for submission by chairman DH Shankaramurthy.
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained a Special Investigation Team headed by ADGP (Prison) Kamal Pant has been appointed and after getting the report further step will be taken.
Former Prime Minister and JD(S) national president HD Devegowda, speaking to mediapersons urged the State Government to handover the ‘bribe deal’ investigation to CBI and demanded lokayukta Justice Bhaskar Rao to stepdown as his son’s name is figured.
Former lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said it is better if he (Justice Rao) steps down or he can go on leave.
Meanwhile, prominent citizens and advocates continued their protest urging lokayukta to quit on moral grounds.