Lokpal bill cannot be debated on streets, says Yeddyurappa

Bangalore, Aug 20: A day after being stopped by BJP high command from joining a pro-Anna Hazare campaign held by the party due graft charges against him, former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa did a volte face, taking a dig at the ongoing stir for Jan Lokpal Bill.

"The Lok Pal bill has to be discussed in Parliament and adopted. It cannot be debated on the streets. The manner in which the discussions are going on will not yield desired results", Yeddyurappa who tried to join the dharna, but was directed by his party to keep away, told reporters here.

Yeddyurappa,who was ousted from his post in the wake of his indictment by a Lokayukta report on illegal mining, indirectly took a dig at former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, virtually leading the protests here, saying "I don't think the agitation in Freedom Park will guide the Anna Hazare stir".

Hegde, whose report led to Yeddyurappa's ouster, has been participating in the support-anna-hazare agitation since August 16.

At the end Yeddyurappa did not forget to mention that he too supported the Hazare campaign against corruption.

Yeddyurappa has been facing allegations of corruption, nepotism and favouritism and has filed two applications before the High Court seeking anticipatory bail fearing arrest in the cases filed against him in Lokayukta special court.

PTI