New Delhi/ Bangalore: Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, who resigned on Wednesday to protest against the state government's “callousness” in fighting corruption, has turned down Home Minister P Chidambaram’s request to stay on.
Chidambaram spoke to Hegde on Friday and urged him not to resign “in the interest of the people”.
"I requested Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore, in the interest of the people of Karnataka he should not press his resignation" Chidambaram told PTI in New Delhi.
However, Hegde said in Bangalore that he will not reconsider his resignation.
Hegde on Wednesday told a press conference he was resigning because the Karnataka government was not interested in checking the corruption by the multi-crore mining mafia.
Hegde alleged corrupt IPS and IAS officers were being reinstated even after he indicted them. "For the last three months I have practically had a nervous breakdown. I have sincerely, sincerely and I am not ashamed to admit before you, I have suffered," said Hegde.
Singling out the mining lobby for indulging in illegal mining of iron ore in north Karnataka's Bellary district and alleged corruption behind such activities, Hegde said he could not continue to be a mute spectator when he was not able to protect an honest officer who was obeying his or his colleague's orders.
"Is this the reward (for an honest officer)? My officers have suffered. I decided I should not continue if I cannot be their protector, especially when I know they are honest officers," said Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge and son of former Lok Sabha speaker K S Hegde.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
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