Guv wrote to CM seeking removal of two ministers

Governor H R Bhardwaj on Saturday said he had written to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda to remove two ministers, including Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, from the Cabinet as cases filed against them were pending before the Lokayukta.

He, however, did not reveal the name of the other minister. Addressing the media on the sidelines of a function in Raj Bhavan, Bhardwaj said he had written to Gowda about the matter “long ago”.

“How can they continue when the investigations are still on in the Lokayukta” he questioned. When asked if he had written to Gowda again, he said: “As there is no response from him, why should I bother? There is no point in reminding.” Bhardwaj, however, showered praises on Gowda again for his “clean image” and said he did not want to “harass” him with complaints from Raj Bhavan, for he wanted Gowda to settle down as chief minister.

“The chief minister needs time to settle down, but some ministers are speaking against the chief minister himself. Things are getting out of hand, and slowly and steadily they are making it very difficult for Gowda. The Cabinet is divided, first they should bring in harmony,” he said.

The governor also said he was very upset about BJP leaders attacking former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde. Referring to comments made by a BJP MP, Bhardwaj said this was not acceptable. “Let them abuse me, but not him,” he said.

Speaking about the March 2 violence in the City Civil Courts complex, Bhardwaj said one should not force the courts to shut down. But he said he can’t advise stray lawyers.

He also said that lawyers should not target the police. On the demand for Bidari’s removal, he remarked: “Why should he be replaced? Even Subba Reddy (president of the Advocates’ Association) does not want it.” The governor said he would speak to the Chief Justice of the High Court and request him to create a separate enclosure for the media in the High Court.

‘Act on reports’

Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj said he would write to the government asking for the implementation of reports submitted by A T Ramaswamy and V Balasubramanian on land encroachments in the State.

He said he would ensure that these two reports were implemented, he added.