New Lokayukta: Awaiting for Governor's response, says CM

Bangalore, Nov 5: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today (Nov 5) said the government awaited Governor H R Bhardwaj's response to its request for appointing former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S G Bannurmut as Lokayukta in the wake a land allotment controversy surfacing against him.

"Unless papers come back to us from the Governor, we can't recommend others name. The matter will be considered after getting reply from the Governor", Gowda, who addressed media after completing three months in office, said.

The Chief Minister said Bhardwaj had called him for a discussion on Bannurmut issue in the wake of media reports that the former judge secured allotment of a residential site, which was earmarked for civic amenity in judges layout and he has offered certain explanation on the matter.

Bhardwaj recently said he had not rejected the government recommendation for appointing Bannurmut as Lokayukta and the name is still under consideration.

It is learnt that during his meeting with Gowda, the Governor has suggested to him to submit another name for the Lokayukta post, which fell vacant after Shivaraj Patil resigned, also under allegations of getting land allotment in voilation of rules.

PTI