UP minister apologises for remark against Lokayukta

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Ramveer Upadhyaya has apologised to Lokayukta Justice N K Mehrotra over his remarks against him.

"In a written statement to Lokayukta, Upadhyaya has said he has utmost faith and respect for Lokayukta institution," officials said in Lucknow on Saturday.

The minister wrote he had not said anything against the dignity of the post, however, if dignity of the post was hurt due to wrong selection of words by him, he apologises for it, they said.

The minister also accused the media of "misquoting" him and "distorting" his statement.

Upadhyay, while addressing a public meeting in Hathras on December 30 last, had threatened to get the Lokayukta removed from his post for his wrong decisions and had also challenged the state ombudsman's powers to conduct inquiry against him.

"I have good relationship with Lokayukta otherwise I would have moved the Supreme Court and got him relieved," the minister had said.

Following uproar over his controversial remarks, the district administration had sent its reports to the chief electoral officer, who referred it to the Election Commission.

"District magistrate Haathras has sought guidance whether the case comes under the purview of model code of conduct...it has been send to the ECI," Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha had told media persons