Governor favours Hegde's continuance

Karnataka Lokayukta (anti-corruption watchdog) Santosh Hegde, who resigned from his post, today found support from state Governor H R Bhardwaj who strongly pitched for his continuance.

Karnataka Lokayukta (anti-corruption watchdog) Santosh Hegde, who resigned from his post, on Thursday found support from state Governor H R Bhardwaj who strongly pitched for his continuance.

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Referring to Hegde as his "old friend" whom he knew since long, Bhardwaj said when the Lokayukta met him on Wednesday to submit his resignation, he (Bhardwaj) had told him "we cannot permit you to quit."

"I have his resignation... it is pending with me", he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here on Thursday and added "I requested him to witdraw his resignation but he did not yield."

The Governor advised the state government to persuade Hegde to withdraw his resignation and display "some gesture" to this effect.

Hegde, known for his crusade against corruption, had on Wednesday announced his resignation and accused the BJP government of being indifferent to the Lokayukta institution.