‘Charges due to political enmity’
Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, referring to Mr Santosh Hegde, the Lokayukta in his state, said, “He is investigating the mining issue. As early as possible, we are going to refer all cases, starting from 2002. Soon the truth will come out. Whoever is the culprit, we will punish them,” Mr Yeddyurappa added. He alleged that the
charges made against the Reddys by the Congress and JD(S) were due to political enmity. The Karnataka CM said the Reddys were engaged in mining in Andhra Pradesh, and not in Karnataka. Lobbing the ball into the Opposition’s court, the CM alleged that relatives of Congress and JD(S) leaders are involved in illegal mining and the Opposition was, therefore, trying to scuttle the Lokayukta probe.
Mr Yeddyurappa said he is of the view that the only way to stop illegal mining is to stop the export of iron ore.
He said this figured prominently in his discussion with the Prime Minister and the home minister. Mr Yeddyurappa has requested the PM to convene a conference of CMs of mineral-rich states to discuss the impact of excessive mining and related issues. According to him, the PM agreed to consider it.
Mr Yeddyurappa discussed with Mr Chidambaram the Belgaum row with Maharashtra, the law and order situation, the resignation of the Lokayukta and his subsequent withdrawal. In his meeting with Mr Advani he explained in detail about the political situation arising out of allegations of corruption against the Reddy brothers and the recent statements of the governor, Mr Hans Raj Bhardwaj.
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