BJP's Signature Campaign to Remove Lokayukta

BENGALURU: Opposition BJP on Tuesday launched a signature campaign among its legislators for the removal of Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao over the alleged extortion racket in the anti-corruption watchdog.

State BJP president Prahlad Joshi said he will hold talks with JD(S) floor leader in the Assembly, H D Kumaraswamy, and Congress leaders to present a united notice to Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa and Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy to initiate the process formally.

According to the recently-amended Lokayukta Act, either of the two houses can adopt a motion for the removal of the Lokayukta with a minimum of one third support from members. In the 225-member Assembly, the process could be initiated with the support of 75 MLAs. In the 75-member Council, support of 25 members is needed.

With the BJP and JD(S) having a combined strength of 84 members in the Assembly and 42 in the Council, they can initiate the process without the support of the ruling Congress.

Expressing confidence about floor coordination and support from Kumaraswamy, Joshi said it will take three to four days to collect signatures from all BJP legislators.  The notice would be submitted to the Speaker and Chairman within a week, he added.

While Kumaraswamy, who was busy campaigning for the BBMP polls, could not be reached for his comments, JD(S) sources said the party too was keen on the removal of Justice Rao.

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