Santosh Hegde withdraws resignation after appeals by top BJP leaders

"If Governor HR Bhardwaj gives me time, I will meet him tomorrow to withdraw my resignation," Hegde, whose resignation had created a political furore in the state, told reporters.



Hegde's announcement came shortly after BJP president Nitin Gadkari and chief minister BS Yeddyurappa called on him here and urged him to reconsider his decision and veteran leader LK Advani also made a similar appeal.



"The respect I have for LK Advani has forced me to withdraw my resignation. It is not out of political pressure I took this decision," Hegde, known for his crusade against corruption, said.



In his appeal issued in Delhi, Advani said "I have known Justice Santosh Hegde for a long time. He is an eminent jurist for whom all of us have great respect. As Lokayukta of Karnataka, he has certain concerns, I am sure the state government of Karnataka will address them earnestly."



Gadkari, in the city to attend a party convetion tomorrow, and Yeddyurpapa in their meeting with Hegde detailed the steps the government had taken on the illegal mining, an issue into which the Lokayukta had inquired, and promised to consider certain issues raised by him.



A delegation of senior BJP leaders from the state, including unit president KS Eswarappa and Law Minister Suresh Kumar, had yesterday met Hedge in an attempt to mollify him but the former supreme court judge had remained firm on his decision to demit office from August 31.



Gadkari and Yeddyurappa thanked Hegde for accepting their request for withdwing his resignation. "I express my heartful thanks to Santosh Hegde. Advani has assured him that the party and the state government will cooperate with him," Gadkari said.



Explaining his decision to retrace his step, Hegde said Advani had not only requested him to withdraw his resignation but also sent a message that the Karnataka government would consider his demands on strengthening the anti-corruption watchdog.



"For me Advani is like a father. He was a close friend of my father (former Lok Sabha Speaker late KS Hegde). I cannot go against his wish. I have to acceed to his request.



Not for any political reason, but because of my love and respect for Advani, I have decided to withdraw my resignation", he said.



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