Chidambaram urges Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde to stay back

New Delhi, June 25 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday urged Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde not to quit from the post and stay back in the interest of the state.

On Tuesday, Justice Hegde submitted his resignation from the post of Lokayukta to Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj.

Chidambaram said, Justice Hegde's resignation would only encourage corrupt elements in the state.

On Friday morning, Chidambaram spoke to Justice Hegde and urged to him to stay back.

During telephonic conversation, Chidambaram urged Justice Hegde to remain in the post in the greater interest of the state.

"I requested Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore in the interest of the people of Karnataka, he should not press his resignation" Chidambaram said.

Justice Hegde, known for his crusade against corruption and powerful mining lobby, has decided to resign from the post, criticizing the Yeddyurappa Government for not providing adequate powers to Lokayukta.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had described the resignation of Justice Hegde as unfortunate. However, he maintained that the State Government could not give any commitment on granting suo motu powers to the institution. (ANI)