Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Hegde firm on resignation

Bangalore, June 25 (ANI): Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on Friday stick to his resignation and ruled out reconsideration.

After speaking to Chidambaram, Justice Hegde said his decision was "irreversible."

Justice Hegde said the decision to resign is purely his personal decision and not a pressure tactic.

Justice Hegde's reaction came just hours after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram urged him to reconsider decision to step down from the post of the Karnataka Lokayukta in the interest of the State.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj also urged Justice Hegde to reconsider his decision to resign.

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.

On Tuesday, Justice Hegde resigned after B S Yeddyurappa led overnment did not respond to his demand for greater powers for the Lokayukta.

Hegde has been a known crusader against the mining lobby in Karnataka. (ANI)