Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah of Congress said majority of the people of the state and intellectuals believed the resignation of the Lokayukta was a setback for the fight against corruption.
The Opposition in Karnataka today sought to put the BJP government on the mat on the issue of the sudden resignation of Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde and pressed for a debate.
Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah of the Congress said majority of the people of the state and intellectuals believed the resignation of the Lokayukta was a setback for the fight against corruption.
He said hundreds of corrupt government officials trapped by Lokayukta officials had been reinstated to the "same position" and the Lokayukta had complained of "non-cooperation" from the government.
The state government, which was 'disrespectful' to Hegde, created a "situation" for him to resign, Siddaramaiah said, adding "Sentiment of the people is that he should continue in office."
In his preliminary submission seeking to move an adjournment motion, the Congress leader described Hegde's resignation as "murder of democracy" and "break-down of Constitution".
Hegde's resignation would create a "vaccum".
The Chair declined permission for the motion but allowed a debate in a different form later in the day.
Siddaramaiah termed the seizure of five lakh tonnes of iron ore at Belekeri port valued at Rs 300 crore, according to him, and its subsequent export by some companies as probably "the biggest scam of this century".
Earlier, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said thegovernment was ready for a detailed debate vis-a-vis the resignation of Lokayukta. The resignation episode had 'hurt' the image of the BJP, he said.
Hegde had last week announced his decision to resign from the watchdog body accusing the BJP government of being indifferent towards corruption cases.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}