The Karnataka Governor, Mr H.R. Bhardwaj on Tuesday said he has asked the Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, to take action against two of his ministers, the controversial Reddy brothers, in the light of allegations levelled against them of involvement in illegal mining in Bellary.
Without taking their names, he also questioned the continuance of the tourism minister, Mr G. Janardhana Reddy and the revenue minister, Mr G. Karunakara Reddy, in the government in the face of corruption charges against them.
"He (Chief Minister) is a person who realises the problem. I told him you have appointed them as ministers. Take action against them. He says I need time. He doesn't say it is not not happening," the Governor told reporters after a meeting with President, Ms Pratibha Patil.
"I have taken serious note of the issue. I have informed the Chief Minister of my concern and to the central government. ....whether they can continue as ministers and indulge in corrupt practices and make profit.
"It is whether ministers can indulge in this kind of corruption. Whether can they can continue in office and still indulge in corruption. It is a big issue of integrity and probity of those in high office. I have addressed it to the Chief Minister," the Governor said.
Raising a questions of corruption and conflict of interest, Mr Bhardwaj said he has referred the matter to the Election Commission as it was "one of the major problems".
He was apparently referring to the issue of his reference of a disqualification petition filed by a Congress MLA against the Reddy brothers for opinion from the Commission.