Lokayukta a body of thieves: KSE

“The shocking revelations about the Lokayukta on almost daily basis call into question the very relevance of the institution in the State. Legal experts sho­uld deliberate on the need for the Lokayukta in Karnataka,” he said here on Sunday.

Quoting S Madhukar Shetty, who was  Lokayukta SP, that Lokayukta has become a hub of corruption, Eshwarappa said while the institution was asked to submit report on illegal mining for the period 2001 to 2010, its report covers only the period from 2006 to 2010.  Shetty is on a two-year sabbatical in the US.

“MP D B Chandre Gowda has alleged that Lokayukta victimised former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. A former prime minister threatens an officer of the institution. The turn of events only casts doubts on the ombudsman,” he added.

Eshwarappa said the party would speak to the legislators, who have identified with former health minister Sriramulu in the run up to Bellary Rural bypoll. Legislators  Somalingappa and Anand Singh have agreed to work for the party candidate in the bypoll while another legislator Nagendra and MP Shanta have sided with Sriramulu, he said.

He denied Sriramulu’s charges that the party leaders harassed him. The State leaders, including Yeddyurappa, will campaign for the BJP candidate. However, none from the central leadership will take part in the electioneering, he said.