Eshwarappa rants about Lokayukta's 'high-handedness'

Terming Justice Hegde’s behaviour as ‘high-handed,’ Eshwarappa said: “Instead of probing into the issue, he is acting like a politician by frequently hurling charges against Subramanya Naidu in the media.”

“Mere collecting of documents against Subramanya Naidu does not entitle Lokayukta to declare him as an offender. Lokayukta should stop jumping into conclusions as it is the Court which has to decide Naidu’s fate,” he said while  addressing media persons here on Saturday.

The minister went on to say that when Santosh Hegde had announced to relinquish his post, BJP leadership convinced him to stay as he was honest. “But unfortunately, Lokayukta is now trying to project the accused as an offender.”

Eshwarappa claimed that the party has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach against corruption and if charges are proved, the party will initiate disciplinary action against its leaders. 

While saying Naidu had “set high moral standards by quitting when charges were levelled against him,” Eshwarappa said former chief minister Dharam Singh too was indicted by the Lokayukta in the probe against illegal mining, but no action was initiated against him and the loss caused to the exchequer by his flawed decisions also was not recovered.

“The JD(S) and the Congress are under the illusion that the forthcoming Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections can be won by highlighting the land scams,” he said and chose to remind the Opposition that JD(S) had tried to take mileage by raking up BMIC issue during BBMP election but had failed in its bid.