Digvijaya Singh's firing at Santosh Hegde fizzles out

Bangalore, Apr 22: It looks as if the "Jan Lokpal Bill" will face many more hurdles and challenges. With the CD controversy concerning the Bhushan duo almost threatening to derail the Bill from being tabled, Thursday's press conference by Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh only added salt to the wounds. The wounds were especially hurting for Lokayukta champion Justice Santhosh Hegde.

While Digvijaya went ballistic on his accusations against the Bhushans, part of the ammunition was also fired at Hegde, when he said, “Justice Hegde is the Lokayukta of Karnataka, has corruption stopped there?" Hegde being a role model and an official with his honesty and integrity to his profession did not want to take the comment lightly, and said that he was seriously considering if he needs to be on the Lokpal panel.

Hegde also added that there was a concerted campaign to derail the bill, and felt that attempts by non-politicos to clean up the system is not appreciated. He stated, “I'm angry and hurt. I came to know through the media that Digvijay Singh said I was trying to protect Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on corruption charges. I've tried to be honest in my entire career."

He also said in clear terms, “I am apolitical and committee members from civil society don't belong to any political party. First, they targeted Anna Hazare. When that did not stick, their focus has been on Shanti Bhushan. While Arvind Kejriwal was too smart for them, I am their latest target."

Digvijay Singh, meanwhile took back his salacious comments on Hegde and said that his statement was portrayed in the wrong way and it did not intend to target Hegde.

But in the midst of all this, it is Anna Hazare's movement that gets a beating with corrupt politicians hell bent on hindering the passing of the bill that hopes to set things right in a country that is riddled by corruption in every sector.

OneIndia News