Bangalore: The current Siddaramaiah government is as corrupt as the previous Yeddyurappa government, former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde, said on Thursday.

“Though the Congress government pledged to be different whey they assumed charge, this, however, did not materialise. This government is not corruption-free. I do not see any difference between this and the previous government,” he said.

Briefing reporters on the sidelines of the launch of a patient safety handbook at Vikram Hospital, he said: “Who said this government is corruption-free? They had promised they would take action against the corrupt. But it has not happened.”

On allegations of corruption against D K Shivakumar and R Roshan Baig and activist S R Hiremath’s attempts to produce documentary evidence, Justice Hegde said, “He (Hiremath) is doing the right thing. They have become ministers. As far as pending proceedings before the court are concerned, law will take its course.”

Stating that the Aam Admi Party has given hope to people, he observed that earlier there were two or three parties who thought themselves to be invincible. With AAP’s promises, there is hope among people that they will be able to connect with the government. However, AAP would have to keep their assurances. If not, it will be a dent on democracy itself. People will not believe anyone. He said he was sure AAP would try to solve the initial problems the party was facing.

According to Hedge, Lokayukta would need more authority to function efficiently. Yet, Karnataka Lokayukta Act is among the best in the country.

“The corrupt officials are caught hold of and produced before court. Initiating criminal proceedings against corrupt officials becomes a problem as the sanction of concerned official is required. This is not how it should be. The court should be allowed to do it instead of vesting the responsibility with officials,” he noted.