Karnataka Governor Bhardwaj says he has been vindicated

Bangalore, Aug 2 (ANI): Days after B. S. Yeddyurappa's resignation as chief minister over his alleged involvement in illegal mining, Karnataka Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj on Tuesday said Justice Santosh Hegde's report had 'vindicated' his stand.

"Whatever I had said and reported in the past has now been proved true. My stand has been vindicated with the report presented by Hegde (Lokayukta Justice (retired) N. Santosh Hegde). But I do not want to take the onus of being the one who brings down governments or forms them," he told mediapersons on the sidelines of a special function held by Karnataka Police to honour their senior officials.

He said the onus of electing a new leader is the responsibility of the political party, which has a majority in the state assembly.

"The leader has to be selected by their group of legislators of the ruling party. This is not a decision that can be taken at the Raj Bhavan. Everybody knows this. I will give ample time for the ruling party to choose their leader and run the government," said Bhardwaj.

"If they say they are unable to undertake this responsibility, only then can I move forward. There should be no confusion on this," he added.

Yeddyurappa submitted his resignation to Governor Bhardwaj at the Raj Bhavan here here on Sunday.

Apart from Yeddyurappa, mining barons Reddy brothers and several other influential leaders are reportedly involved in illegal mining in Karnataka as per Lokayukta Hegde's report.

Justice Hegde, who formally submitted his report on July 27, confirmed that the report indicts Yeddyurappa, members of his family and a trust run by them, and added that in the four-year period between 2006 and 2010, the loss to the Karnataka exchequer from illegal mining was to the tune of Rs.16, 085 crores.

Meanwhile, Bhardwaj urged the police officials to probe the matter with seriousness and sincerity.

"There is no reason not to accept Justice Hegde's report. They have a full-fledged report. The DIG (Deputy Inspector General of Police), IG (Inspector General of Police) have all received medals. They should show the merit of their medals," said Bhardwaj. (ANI)