Karnataka: Governor seeks Yeddyurappa’s apology

BANGALORE: Governor H R Bharadwaj has sought unconditional apology from Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa for allegedly accusing him of dropping charges against former chief minister Dharam Singh who was indicted by the Lokayukta in his report on illegal mining.

In a letter to the CM on Wednesday, the Governor accused Yeddyurappa of misleading the people on the matter despite fully knowing that Singh’s name was dropped by the then Governor (Rameshwar Thakur).

“On the Lokayukta report submitted to the Governor, as the competent authority, the then Governor disposed it of by a speaking order signed by him on June 26, 2009. Whereas you know it pretty well that I assumed the responsibility as Governor on June 29, 2009. Your accusations are irresponsible and intimidating statements,” Bharadwaj said in the letter.

Further, he accused the CM of diverting attention. “In order to divert public attention, I feel that you have chosen to use intemperate language against the Governor, while ignoring the rampant corruption indulged in by some of your ministers. Therefore, for dragging the Governor into this, in such an objectionable manner, you owe me an unconditional apology,” the Governor told the CM.

Bharadwaj, who is having a hot and cold relation with the government ever since he assumed the office, also took exception to the CM for not replying to his previous letters seeking factual details on ministers named in the petition filed by Congress MLC K C Kondaiah.