Bengaluru: Though CM Siddaramaiah insisted that he had called on Governor Vajubhai Vala on Monday to convey his birthday greetings, sources said he did his best to convince Mr Vala about the need to accept the choice of Justice Vishwanath Shetty for Lokayukta.
The governor who turned 79 today, had last week returned the file on Justice Shetty’s appointment following allegations that he was a beneficiary of site allotment in Judicial Layout in the city.
Sources said the CM told the Governor that his government will clarify on the objections raised by Mr Vala to Justice Shetty’s appointment and asserted that there were no substantial allegations against the Lokayukta choice. Advocate General M.R. Nayak, is yet to send para vise remarks to the state government regarding Raj Bhavan objections to Justice Shetty, the sources added.
Social activist S.R. Hiremath had submitted a memorandum to the Governor last week, claiming that Justice Shetty had taken a site at Judicial Layout by filing a false affidavit and said he also had a residential site in Vijaya Bank Layout on Bannerghatta road.
Mr Hiremath also alleged that Justice Shetty has amassed wealth and considering him for the post would send a wrong message to society. Considering the allegations raised by civil society, the Governor had sent back the file to the government.
Speaking to reporters , Mr Siddaramaiah said he would not comment on the Lokayukta appointment now. “After the government sends its reply clarifying on the objections raised by the governor, I will meet Mr Vala and discuss the issue”, the CM said.
He criticized the Centre for not releasing drought relief fund to the state. “We are not begging the Centre for money, we are entitled to get funds as per norms of the 14th Finance Commission,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
