Karnataka CM says no winding up of Lokayukta

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Bangalore, Nov 14, 2011: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today said there was no plans before the government to wind up the Lokayukta, a day after his party state unit president K S Eswarappa expressed doubts about the utility of the agency in the wake of it facing allegations of corruption.

"Just because somebody has made some allegations, institutions like Lokayukta cannot be closed down," he told reporters after laying foundation stone for a four-lane road work on the national highway near Nelamangala, on the city outskirts.

There has been criticism about working of the Lokayukta institution in the recent past and some political party leaders even questioned its existence, he said without naming anyone.

Eswarappa, while reacting to a reported statement by former Lokayukta SP Madhukar Shetty that corruption was rampant in the anti-corruption watchdog itself, had suggested to his government to think about its continuance.

Time has come to think if one needed an institution like Lokayukta and its utility to check corruption. "I want the government to seek experts opinion on this issue," Eswrappa had stated.

Meanwhile, state Congress chief G Parameshwara opposed winding up of the Lokayukta.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald