Jaitley may draft Karnataka’s response to Central advisory

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, May 26: Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley is ’’studying’’ the advisory despatched to the Karnataka Government by Union Home Ministry to help Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa offer a ’’proper response’’.

Sources in the Government and BJP told PTI that the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Union Law Minister is looking into the advisory that "raised a few points", which were part of Governor H R Bhardwaj’s special report to the Centre recommending President’s Rule in the state.

The Centre last Sunday rejected the report. Sources said the Home Minister has told the Chief Minister to take the advisory in "right spirit".

Sources said since the Home Minister’s letter to the Chief Minister is advisory in nature and there is no timeline to respond, there is no need to take a "decision" on it in a hurry.

Sources said the advisory has drawn Karnataka government’s attention to a number of issues reported by the Governor, including "repeated instances of corruption, resignations of Ministers following allegations of corruption, instances of illegal mining, the report of the Central Empowered Committee on illegal Mining, complaints by the Lokayukta and reports of discrimination against and oppression of minorities".

Yeddyurappa has already slammed the Central move to issue the advisory, terming it as one to "pacify" Congress leaders pushing for President’s rule in the state, and also hinting that Centre is targetting Karnataka because it is ruled by the opposition BJP.

Meanwhile, asked if today’s cabinet meeting discussed the advisory, Law Minister S Suresh Kumar replied in the negative.

"We are exploring the ways to respond to that letter. We will explore all possible avenues that will be available to us. On how to respond to the letter is under the consideration of the Chief Minister," Suresh Kumar said.