While Lokayukta's mining report sent state into a tizzy leading to B S Yeddyurappa tendering resignation, political parties have ideas about getting him aboard

Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde -- the man behind the mining report, which cost B S Yeddyurappa his chair -- is much sought after by political parties these days after becoming a national figure overnight.


Man of substance: Justice Santosh Hegde, who has nailed several
corrupt officials in the state during his tenure, is all set to pass on the
baton to the next Lokayukta Chief today. Pic/Satish Badiger

Party time
The opposition applauded Hegde's move against corrupt BJP leaders, who made national headlines for their involvement in the illegal mining scam. Congress leader D K Shivkumar, who was watching the live drama of Yeddyurappa's resignation on television at his home said, "It will be good to see someone like Hegde in the party. However, the decision to approach him needs to be taken by my party high command."

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who was watching the live telecast at his guest house at Sadashivanagar,u00a0 said, "I do not want to say anything on this, as it is his wish do whatever he wants after retirement."

Clean break
Political observers from the city see this as a trend for political parties to bolster their image. Sandeep Sashtri said, "The credibility of Hegde would remain clean as long as he is non-political, and going by what he has said in his earlier speeches, he would not jump into politics."

'No politics for me'
Hegde, who has nailed several corrupt officials in the state during his tenure, is all set to pass on the baton to the next Lokayukta Chief today.MiD DAY asked Hegde about his retirement plans, to which he said "I want to continue my campaign and will be free to share ideas about a corruption-free environment."

The idea of him getting involved in state politics was quashed quite quickly. He said crucial elements to put the state back on a reputed track were on his mind. "I will not enter politics though I have been approached by parties. I would prefer to see younger people taking up the offers instead."