Santosh Hegde meets Governor, formally withdraws resignation

"I have formally withdrawn my resignation", Hegde told reporters here.

Piqued by Karnataka government's failure to accede to its demands, including taking action against corrupt officials, illegal mining and an attempted move to transfer a Lokayukta official, Hegde submitted his resignation on June 23, in an abrupt development that brought severe embarrassment to the ruling BJP.

However, following pressure from various quarters to withdraw his resignation and a request from BJP leader L K Advani to reconsider the decision, Hegde announced withdrawal of his resignation on July 3 after a meeting with national BJP President Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

The Lokayukta said, "The Governor had been reluctant to accept my resignation when I tendered and had asked me to reconsider it. I am sure he will be happy that I have decided to continue," he said.