Bureau will be on CBI lines, Ayukta won't be disturbed: Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Countering opposition criticism on its treatment of the institution of the Lokayukta, the government on Tuesday claimed that the Anti-Corruption Bureau would work on the lines of CBI and the Lokayukta would continue to function as always.

Making a statement in the Assembly, CM Siddaramaiah refused to rollback the decision to constitute ACB and only offered to strengthen the Lokayukta to counter his critics.

Soon after the House assembled, BJP and JD(S) members continued their protest on the issue. They withdrew their protest after Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa convened a meeting and assured them of allowing a separate debate on the Lokayukta.

Sources said the government agreed to hold a one-day debate and make some amendments to the present structure of ACB. When the House resumed, Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said they were withdrawing the protest on the basis of the assurances by the Speaker.

Responding, Mr Siddaramaiah said the government was not trying to protect anyone, and was not diluting the Lokayukta. “It will continue to function in accordance with the Lokayukta Act, 1984,” the Chief Minister added.