Bangalore:
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa lashed out at Governor H R Bhardwaj, accusing him of "acting as an agent of the Congress/JD(S)".
Speaking to NDTV, Yeddyurappa said, "The Governor was in a hurry to sanction the prosecution. He was under pressure from the Congress."
He further said that the Congress had sent Bhardwaj to help the party come to power in the state.
Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa had convened a press conference where he said that there was no question of him resigning.
Addressing mediapersons, Yeddyurappa said, "The Governor is overreaching his constitutional role. He is trying to destabilise the government. My growing popularity is troubling the Governor."
Yeddyurappa's outburst came after a meeting with his council of ministers at his residence to discuss their next move following Governor HR Bhardwaj's sanction for his prosecution. (
Read: Yeddyurappa meeting ministers to discuss next move)
Justifying the statewide shutdown, he added, "We called a peaceful bandh against the Governor's decision. It was a success. The people of Karnataka took part and expressed anger against the unconstitutional and mala fide decision taken by Governor." (
Read: BJP calls for a statewide bandh)
On Friday, Governor Bhardwaj sanctioned the prosecution of Yeddyurappa following several allegations of his involvement in land scams. (
Read: Karnataka Governor's press communique on sanction to prosecute Yeddyurappa)
A Raj Bhavan communique said the sanction was accorded under Section 19 (1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
Reacting to the prosecution sanction, Yeddyurappa said the Governor is behaving as an agent of Congress and the JDS. "This is nothing but a broad day light murder of democracy and justice," he said. (
Read: Press statement by Yeddyurappa)
Earlier this week, the cabinet asked the Governor not to sanction the prosecution of the Chief Minister requested by a group of lawyers, who want to formally take up allegations of corruption against Mr Yeddyurappa. The Governor said the request by the cabinet was 'like a thief' requesting the police to not take action against him. (
Read: 'Thief' remark by Governor angers Yeddyurappa) (
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