Strengthen Lokayukta, give investigation powers: Activists
The activists alleged that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is not functioning and should be abolished.
Bengaluru: Alleging that the Lokayukta institution is being weakened, members of the Lanchamukta Karnataka Nirmana Vedike held a meeting in the city on Saturday and demanded that the anti-corruption institution be given back powers to investigate.
Vedike president Ravikrishna Reddy said, “Parties that are not in power want a strong Lokayukta, but when they come to power, they want a weaker Lokayukta or do not want it at all."
Almost every party had mentioned in their manifesto that they would strengthen the Lokayukta and fight corruption once they come to power, but no party, when in power, has taken action, he said. He said the Lokayukta should be strengthened and the guilty imprisoned.
Mr S.R. Hiremath, an environmental and anti-corruption activist, said that the government should take immediate steps to strengthen the Lokayukta and asked the BJP government at the Centre to act intervene.
The activists alleged that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is not functioning and should be abolished. Karnataka needs a strong Lokayukta for proper functioning of the city, he said.