Decision to resign from Lokayukta post is final: Hegde

Sticking to his stand, Santosh Hegde today 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 said two days after he put in his papers citing Karnataka govt's "indifferent attitude" towards fighting corruption.

Sticking to his stand, Santosh Hegde on Friday said his decision to quit the post of Lokayukta was final and there was no political motive behind it.

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"No political motive should be ascribed to it," Hegde said two days after he put in his papers citing Karnataka government's "indifferent attitude" towards fighting corruption.

Hegde, an anti-corruption crusader, who has been flooded with requests urging him to reconsider his action, said, "This is my personal decision and it is final."

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram spoke to Hegde requesting him not to press his resignation in the interest of the people of Karnataka, saying this would only encourage the "corrupt elements" in the state.

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 the Home Minister'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 HR Bhardwaj who had asked him to withdraw his resignation.

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."