Bangalore: In a veiled warning to the Bhartiya Janata Party government, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today said he would not allow dilution or weakening of Lokayukta and independence of investigating agencies would be maintained.
"Karnataka Lokayukta has rendered an exemplary service and done the state proud ... Let me assure you there shall be no dilution or weakening of Lokayukta," he said in his Republic Day address here.
Any attempt to weaken administrative structures and institutions should be avoided, Bhardwaj said, adding attempts should be made to strengthen them.
Bhardwaj's comments came in the backdrop of a stand-off between him and the government over appointment of former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S R Bannurmath as Lokayukta.
The government has kept the post of Lokayuka vacant since September last and has been insisting on the appointment of Bannurmath, whose name Bhardwaj has rejected.
"Society is demanding an environment free from corruption and we have to work to fulfil it," he said.
Without mentioning incidents of church attacks, Bhardwaj said the government should maintain strict vigil on certain fringe elements working overtime to disturb the peace and harmony.
"With our collective resolve, we must defeat the designs of such elements," he said.
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Opposition Leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah were among those attended the function at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds.
Children from various schools presented an impressive cultural programmes on the occasion.
"Karnataka Lokayukta has rendered an exemplary service and done the state proud ... Let me assure you there shall be no dilution or weakening of Lokayukta," he said in his Republic Day address here.
Any attempt to weaken administrative structures and institutions should be avoided, Bhardwaj said, adding attempts should be made to strengthen them.
The government has kept the post of Lokayuka vacant since September last and has been insisting on the appointment of Bannurmath, whose name Bhardwaj has rejected.
Advertisement
Without mentioning incidents of church attacks, Bhardwaj said the government should maintain strict vigil on certain fringe elements working overtime to disturb the peace and harmony.
Advertisement
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Opposition Leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah were among those attended the function at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"My Party Demands...": Union Minister's Support Amid Karnataka Job Quota Row Karnataka Job Quota May Force "Companies To Relocate": Software Body In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post BJP Plans UP Overhaul To Bounce Back From Lok Sabha Poll Drubbing: Sources Watch: Land "Taken By Mafia", Farmer Rolls On Floor With Folded Hands BJP Plans UP Overhaul To Bounce Back From Lok Sabha Poll Drubbing: Sources Trump Recalls Shooting, Says Bullet "Felt Like World's Largest Mosquito" Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.