Government-Guv stand-off on Lokayukta continues

BANGALORE: The deadlock between the state government and the Raj Bhavan over the appointment of new Lokayukta is likely to continue, with the government keen on appointing Justice S R Bannurmath as the new Lokayukta, and Governor H R Bharadwaj unwilling to accept the recommendation. The Governor had rejected the recommendation two days ago while suggesting it search for a honest person to head the institution.Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Sureshkumar on Thursday accepted the Governor’s letter; he said the chief minister and his Cabinet would decide on the next course of action.  The CM had met the Governor twice and offered to explain how the government has followed proper procedure. “We are serious about appointing a Lokayukta,” the minister maintained. “I thank the Governor for the great suggestion,” he said referring to Bhardwaj’s suggestion to look for a Lokayukta through Google search.