Legal experts to be consulted in assets case: Kumaraswamy

Bangalore, May 12 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said he would consult legal experts before initiating action against the two Ministers against whom the Lok Ayukta had sought action for not submitting details of their assets in time.

Speaking to newspersons at his residence, he said ''I can tell about the next course of action only after consulting with the experts.'' Lok Ayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde had yesterday sent a report to Mr Kumaraswamy, seeking action against Youth Services Minister Alkod Hanumanthappa and Agriculture Marketing Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, both from the Janata Dal(S), as they were found guilty of not filing their statements on assets and liabilities in time.

''I have not seen the communication, but read it in media reports. Anyway, there is still time. I will act at a suitable time,'' Mr Kumaraswamy said.

The Chief Minister said the Government was ready to give more powers to the Lok Ayukta and a Cabinet Sub-Committee was discussing the matter.

On fielding a party candidate in the June 2 Ullal bypoll, he said it was left to the party leadership and he would abide by its decision.

Coalition partner, the BJP, had fielded a candidate and expected the JD(S) to support the party in return for the favour BJP showed by supporting the JD(S) in the Chamundeswari byelection earlier.

UNI