Give assent to Lokayukta bill: JD-U

Bangalore, Dec 3: Karnataka Janata Dal (United) President B Somashekhar today urged Governor Rameshwar Thakur to give his assent to the Karnataka Lokayukta Amendment Bill passed in both the Houses by the previous government.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that the Bill, which ensures more power to the Lokayukta, was pending with the Governor for approval and it should be cleared immediately.

He said the Bill was aimed at giving suo-moto power to Lokayukta to prosecute earring officers involved in corruption. "A delegation of the party would meet the Governor shortly to press for his assent to the amendment Bill" he added.

Referring the controversial regularaisation of the unauthorised constructions Act, Mr Somashekhar criticised the previous JD(S)-BJP government for passing the bill without visualising its ill-consequences. " The Bill also encroach upon other two acts including Karnataka Land Revenue and Karnataka Cooperative act and the officials also have expressed their inability to implement it" he added.

Mr Somashekhar said that he has taken initiative to unite the Janata Pariwar leaders remaining in different political parties.

Senior JD(S) dissident leader M P Prakash has responded positively for his invitation to re-join the JD(u).

He said that taking into consideration of the assembly elections in the corner, a meeting of all the District Presidents would be held next week. "The focus before the party was to strengthen the party organisation at the grass root level and prepare for elections.", he added.

UNI