Hope Shettar will carry on DVS' good work: Governor

Expressing his angst over the ouster of D V Sadananda Gowda as the chief minister and the composition of the present Cabinet, Governor H R Bhardwaj said. on Friday that he hoped incumbent Jagadish Shettar will carry on the good work of his predecessor.

“During his 11-month tenure, Gowda government was blemishless. He was slowly trying to clean up the administration. We will have to wait and see whether Shettar will continue the good work,” said Bhardwaj.

The governor also hoped he would be able to “work with Shettar, an educated and popular leader from North Karnataka”. In a candid talk with the media at the Raj Bhavan, Bhardwaj spoke about the “adamant” attitude of the BJP in not adhering to his advices. “I suggested to the chief minister to try and keep away tainted ministers from the Cabinet.

They reportedly had cases pending against them. But the chief minister said the list of ministers, including the tainted ministers, was what the high command had asked them to incorporate. I cannot interfere in party matters,” he said.

Having been involved in a series of tussles with the BJP over the past three years, the governor  said he had decided to “co-operate” with the present government. “I have decided to extend my full co-operation to the Shettar government.

Even if I do raise any objection, who will listen,” he asked.

On the dissent in the BJP, Bhardwaj said the government had tried to include a ‘broad spectrum’ of ministers in the Cabinet. “If the dissidence continues, Shettar has to ensure everyone is on board,” he said.

Govt scuttling Lokayukta?

Questioning the intention of the State government in not appointing a Lokayukta to the quasi-judicial body, Bhardwaj said they (political class) were deliberately trying not have one. “I am of the opinion that they are scared of appointing a new Lokayukta,” he said.

Stating that there was no dearth of ‘good’ and ‘clean’ judges who could be appointed as the head of the watchdog, the governor said the appointment was a State subject.

“The question needs to be placed before the State government as to why they have still not appointed a Lokayukta. If they come back with a credible name for appointment, it will take only a few minutes for me to sign on the file,” he said.

The governor said the government should provide the best possible measures on a priority basis to ameliorate the effects of drought in the State. “I have spoken with Shettar and he too agreed  that the first agenda of the present government is to address the drought situation.

I have also spoken to the Centre for assistance and they have agreed for full co-operation,” he said.