"I am surprised by the remarks of the Governor, who I greatly respect. But he should think twice before making comments. None of the ministers in the cabinet are tainted," he told reporters after seeking the blessings of Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami at JSS Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hills in city.
To a query, he said it is the chief minister's prerogative to induct legislators into the ministry.
Somanna said the newly installed government would give a clean, transparent and corruption-free rule. He also said there were no differences in the BJP's state unit.
Bhardwaj had fired a salvo against the Shettar-led BJP government on July 13 by saying some ministers with "tainted record" had been inducted into it, ignoring his advice.
He also said the country could not afford to have tainted people in the ministry, but he could not really stop it from happening.
Bhardwaj had a running battle with the B S Yeddyurappa government on various issues including corruption.
The Yeddyurappa government had also launched a campaign accusing him of trying to topple his government and seeking his recall.
