Governor rejects plea to drop proceedings for CM''s prosecution

Bangalore, Jan 21 (PTI) Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwajtoday dismissed as "unwarranted" a resolution adopted by thestate cabinet asking him to drop proceedings for prosecutionof Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on corruption charges.

In a hard-hitting letter to Yeddyurappa with whom he hasstrained relations, the Governor told him bluntly that hecannot put a lid on serious allegations of corruption.

"The sum and substance of the Cabinet decision is itsimply requires me to put a lid on the serious allegations ofcorruption against you," Bhardwaj said, referring to theJanuary 19 cabinet meeting resolution forwarded to him.

The cabinet resolution had asked the Governor to drop theproceedings to prosecute Yeddyurappa and Home Minister RAshoka on alleged scams on the basis of a complaint filed bylawyers'' forum, saying such a move was nothing short of a"farce and colourable" exercise on his part.

Quoting a Supreme Court order, Bhardwaj pointed out in hisletter that "the Governor is entitled to and required to takean independent decision on the basis of the material availableand therefore the Cabinet decision recommending to drop theconsideration of the petition itself is unwarranted."

Bhardwaj said, "You are aware, allegations relating toland scams, corruption and manipulation of rules andregulations regarding acquisition and denotifying of publiclands regularly appeared in the media since September, 2010."

Allegations of serious nature of corruption were levelledagainst the office of the Chief Minister by various groups,which submitted representations to him personally, creating acloud on his (Yeddyurappa''s) personal integrity, Bhardwaj saidin the letter.

The Governor said the Chief Minister did not furnish anydetails to his December 15 letter seeking factual informationon the allegations levelled against him and added "you simplystated that the allegations were politically motivated andwithout any basis".

"However, you (Chief Minister) informed me that casesrelating to land scams have been referred to a Commission ofInquiry headed by Justice Padmaraj, a retired Judge of theHigh Court." .