After a fortnight long verbal battle with the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government for recommending its dismissal which was rejected by the centre, governor H R Bhardwaj today praised the regime, saying illegal mining had stopped after a supreme court ordered probe by central empowered committee (CEC).

"I took up the issue of illegal mining when I came to know about the chief minister remarking about the state's wealth being looted. Many people came to me with many things (memoranda). Subsequent to that supreme court appointed a committee... they came here and did their work."

Bhardwaj said after the apex court orders (restraining mining operations in 19 companies in Karnataka), "There has been introspection, illegal mining has stopped in Karnataka."

He also wished the Yeddyurappa government, which completed three years in office today, all the very best, saying, "My goodwill is with the government. They have served the people.

I hope they serve better in future."

On several earlier occasions, Bhardwaj had taken swipes at Yeddyurappa for not checking illegal mining and accused three Bellary ministers, including G Janardhana Redder, of being engaged in it, embarassing the government.

To a question on whether he felt "hurt" as his recommendation had been rejected, Bhardwaj said, "You people (media) have no legal knowledge. Media must be educated. Every month as a governor, I have to send a report and I send it."

Asserting he had only discharged his constitutional duty by sending a report to the centre, copies of which have been despatched to the prime minister and home minister, Bhardwaj said, "I am appointed by the president. Why are we appointed? We are given a mansion to live, big salaries, staff to carry out the work. If we do not do anything, it is not good."

He said his report was "confidential", the contents of which could not be disclosed to the public.

Asked about the centre's advisory to the state government, he said the centre has powers to send advisories to states.

"There is always an interaction between the government and Governor. I am the head of the state, part of legislature, part of administration, though I am not an elected representative", he said.

Bhardwaj late presented an honorary doctorate to erstwhile ruler of Mysore state late Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar-IV.

Scion of Mysore royal family Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar received the honour, bestowed posthumously by Mysore University.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar had established Mysore University during his rule between 1902 to 1940.