Office of Governor is not a court, says Ashok

In his caustic remarks, Ashok said no offence has been established against Reddy ministers to send them to jail. Neither the Opposition parties nor anyone else has the authority to suggest to seek their resignation. The Government has no faith in CBI and there is no question of entrusting the inquiry into illegal mining to CBI as Lokayukta has already been probing the allegations, he told press persons here on Sunday.

“I have great respect for the Governor. He has proudly declared himself as a Congressman. But he should not cling to his party inclinations once he occupies the post of the Governor. I hope Raj Bhavan does not turn into Congress Bhavan,” he retorted.

Charging the Congress with lacking commitment for development, he alleged that Congress members created ruckus in the Assembly “with no other job” and that they “sacrificed” the Assembly proceedings for their false prestige. There was none to prevent Opposite parties from taking up discussion on Bills. The government was constrained to introduce the Bills without any debate, he said.

The Minister alleged that the Union government has been levying Rs 2 more tax on petrol and diesel in Karnataka and hence the price of the fuels was high in the State.