Karnataka Lokayukta asked to reconsider resignation

Home Minister P Chidambaramon Thursday requested Karnataka Lokayukta head Santosh Hegde not to press hisresignation, saying this would only encourage the "corrupt elements"in the state.

Chidambaram spoke to Hegde who hadtendered his resignation on Wednesday citing the "callous" attitudeof the BJP government in the state towards fighting corruption.

"I requested Hegde not to presshis resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort tocorrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore in the interest of the people ofKarnataka, he should not press his resignation" Chidambaram told him.

The Home Minister later said thatHegde indicated he would consider his request.