Chidambaram urges Santosh Hegde not to press his resignation

Home minister P Chidambaram today requested Karnataka Lok Ayukta head Santosh Hegde not to press his resignation, saying this would only encourage the "corrupt elements" in the state.

Chidambaram spoke to Hegde who had tendered his resignation on Wednesday citing the "callous" attitude of the BJP government in the state towards fighting corruption.

"I requested Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore in the interest of the people of Karnataka, he should not press his resignation" Chidambaram told him.

The home minister later told PTI that Hegde indicated he would consider his request.

Hegde, known for his crusade against corruption and the mining lobby, has decided to resign from his post and criticised the Yeddyurappa government for its "indifference to Lokayukta institution".

"I have no regrets over quitting my office. I am not in the habit of using resignation as a blackmail. My decision is final," the former Supreme Court judge had said after submitting his resignation letter to governor HR Bhardwaj.

"I don't want to be useless sitting in a position. It is not enough if I catch people. I need powers to bring cases to logical conclusion," he said.

Hegde's resignation comes at a time when the first-ever BJP government in the south is celebrating its completion of two years in office.