K'taka: CM Sadananda Gowda promises new Lokayukta in 15 days

Mangalore, Feb 27: With the BJP government in Karnataka going through some turbulent times, thanks to the antics of former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's desperation to return to former glory, current CM DV Sadananda Gowda appears pretty confident on his administrative skills. In a bold statement, he stated that the state would get a new Lokayukta in the next 15 days.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "The process of consultation for the appointment of Lokayukta will be completed in next 15 days." He added that he has already written to the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Justice, Vikramjit Sen and leaders of the Opposition in both houses of state legislature, Siddaramaiah and Motamma.

The Lokayukta appointment had become a bone of contention between the Governor and the BJP govt. After various consultations and discussions, the post has been lying vacant for the last five months.

After the stepping down of Santosh Hegde as the Karnataka Lokayukta chief, no person has been able to live up to the post. The government had then recommended the name of former Kerala High Court Chief Justice SR Bannurmath as Lokayukta, but was rejected by Governor HR Bharadwaj.

He cited that there were charges in his name regarding illegal land allotment that was working against his favour. Bharadwaj added that he wants a 'spotless' person for the post.

CM Gowda also commented that the government proposed to introduce a policy on youth in the assembly this year.

OneIndia News