Gulbarga: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is under pressure to drop minister for infrastructure and information Santosh Lad for his alleged involvement in illegal mining, announced on Saturday that a special court would be set up soon to try those involved in unauthorised excavation of iron ore.
Replying to felicitation by the district Congress committee on his maiden visit as chief minister, he said recommendations made by Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde in his report on illegal mining would be implemented by his government.
“Our intention is not only to punish people who looted the state but also to bring back the wealth. Those who have erred will be punished,” he added.
Addressing media persons earlier, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he would not drop infrastructure and information minister Santosh Lad for his alleged involvement in illegal mining. “I am not batting for anybody, but only trying to defend the innocent”, he added.
In response to another question, the chief minister said it would not be proper to wind up an organisation like Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) in the light a slew of recruitment scams, adding “we cannot cut off the nose to spite the cold.”
Denying allegations that he had neglected Hyderabad-Karnataka region, Siddaramaiah said he would consider the demand for declaring Gulbarga as “B” grade city and for setting up a police commissionerate here.