Mysuru, August 12, 2022 (www.justkannada.in): “They yield to corrupt people. Corrupt people exist in all the three major parties of the State. All of them are against the Lokayukta,” observed retired Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.
Speaking to the press persons in Mysuru today, Santosh Hegde said, “a person who comes out of jail is given a grand welcome, people hail corrupt people. They go to the airport and welcome them while they come out. The mindset of the people as of now is only on earning money and power. They yearn for it.”
“There are corrupt people in all the three major parties, all of them are against Lokayukta. They do gimmicks due to elections. If anyone appeals to the Supreme Court they fear losing power. That is why they are not appealing to the Supreme Court directly. The followers approach the apex court through back door, there is an opportunity for it. However, as the elections are nearing they are keeping quiet. The state has incurred crores of rupees loss due to rains. But the elected representatives and bureaucrats are silent for the want of 40% commission,” he alleged.
The re-establishment of power to the Lokyuta has given chilly shivers to many
The Lokayukta has again gained power and strength. It has caused shivering among corrupt politicians and officials. According to me, all three parties might oppose this. The reason is many corrupt people who were trapped in the cases had suffered punishment. However, after establishing ACB, action has not been initiated against even a single politico or official. The Lokayukta should be given freedom of power and facilities and strengthened. More than 1,000 cases have been registered in the ACB, but none have been punished. I feel so sorry about it. Officials and politicians are never punished. Leave a Minister, the ACB has not interrogated even an MLA. If ordinary people like you and me commit a crime will they keep quiet? Government officials seek permission from the government to interrogate or investigate government officials. This is the law that was being followed during British rule. They had framed it as they wanted. Why permission from the government is required when there is our government? Won’t they interrogate common people, but why permission of the government is required to question the officials?” he questioned.
Keywords: Lokayukta/ Santosh Hegde/ corrupt/ all the three parties
