HD Kumarswamy calls for a ‘people’s revolt’ in Bangalore

Breathing fire against the state government for not giving additional powers to the Lokayukta, former chief minister and JD(S) state president, HD Kumarswamy, on Saturday, called for a ‘people’s movement’.

More than a year has passed since the Lokayukta, justice N Santosh Hegde, submitted a report on illegal mining and recommended action against errant officers, but the state has not implemented the report’s recommendations, said Kumarswamy. Although Justice Hegde has resigned, the government is busy celebrating its second year in power, he added.

“Lokayukta justice Hegde was appointed when I was chief minister of the JD(S)-BJP government. Amidst stiff opposition from politicians and bureaucrats, I decided to give suo motto powers to the Lokayukta to conduct raids and hold inquiries against officials, including the chief secretary. A decision was taken in the cabinet and it was sent to the governor, but the governor advised a detailed discussion be held on the floor of the House. After that, our government collapsed and elections were held subsequently.

For the past two years, the file pertaining to Lokayukta’s suo motto powers has been kept in cold storage,” he said. “This shows the BJP is in favour of curbing corruption,” he said sarcastically.

The BJP has  not given additional powers to the Lokayukta because it’s protecting corrupt officials, he said. “The people should revolt against the state government. We will not let this issue die down; we will raise the Lokayukta’s resignation in the legislative session starting from Monday,” said Kumarswamy.

Furthermore, he said the government does not have the political will to grant additional powers to the Lokayukta. If the chief minister has any sense of morality, he should resign immediately, added Kumarswamy.

“To educate the people about the BJP government’s failures, I’m starting a ‘padayatra’ from Basavakalyana, Bidar, to Bangalore, on August 15. I’ll tell the people about what the BJP is doing and create awareness among the people,” he said.

Reacting to the hike in petrol and diesel prices, he said the JD(S) would raise the issue in the upcoming Parliament session and will seek a rollback in prices, said Kumarswamy.