JOIN USSources said the governor had sent a word to the chief minister’s office on Friday itself, asking Gowda to meet him. As per the instructions, Gowda, along with his principal secretary I S N Prasad, met the governor in the evening. The meeting lasted for less than 30 minutes.
It is said the governor sought details on the steps taken to implement the Lokayukta report on illegal mining and the alleged fraud committed by Minister C P Yogeeshwara.
The chief minister reportedly explained to Bhardwaj that the K Jairaj committee was studying the mining report and the process of issuing show cause notices to officials whose names appeared in the Lokayukta report had begun.
The governor also sought information regarding the action to be taken by the government with the Supreme Court extending the CBI probe into mining by certain companies in Karnataka too.
Full support for probe
Earlier in the day, when reporters posed a question regarding the CBI probe, the chief minister said the government would extend full co-operation to the investigating agency to probe the affairs of the Associated Mining Company owned by Janardhana Reddy.
He refused to take a question regarding Yogeeshwara on the grounds that the matter was being heard by the High Court.
Official sources said that the Jairaj panel would continue its work, though the CBI would be probing into various aspects of mining in the State. As per the Lokayukta’s direction, the government must submit its action taken report and hence, the committee would complete its assigned task, it is said.
Kambar’s suggestions
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Gowda said the government would seriously consider the suggestions made by Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekhara Kambar, including on medium of instruction and improving Kannada software.
Gowda said: “Kambar’s suggestion that Kannada should be the medium of instruction up to SSLC is timely. But, the government can’t take any decision against the verdict of the High Court and the Supreme Court. All efforts will be made to improve Kannada software as advised by him”.