Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa and MLC K.C. Kondaiah on Saturday termed the communication by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj to the Election Commission of India on their complaint against Tourism and Infrastructure Minister G. Janardhana Reddy and Revenue Minister G. Karunakara Reddy for their alleged illegal mining and exporting iron ore causing huge losses to the State exchequer proved that there was a prima facie case against the Reddy brothers.
They told presspersons that the Governor took cognizance of violation of the various laws and rules by the Reddy brothers as mentioned by their petition such as the ministers' allegiance to a foreign company in the mining activity and conflict of interest for their dual role as ministers and owners of the Obulapuram Mining Company.
Under Article 192 of the Constitution, the Governor had asked the Election Commission for its opinion on their complaint and he could disqualify the ministers if the charges against them were proved from the membership of the Legislative Assembly under Article 191.
Mr. Ugrappa demanded a clarification from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadakari, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa whether they would endorse Mr. Eshwarappa's outburst. They should apologise for undermining the office of the Governor. He urged the Election Commission to take suitable action against the ministers and save the State's natural wealth.
He said the Government's withdrawal of the Government Order imposing a road tax of Rs.1,000 on every truck load of ore had caused a loss of Rs. 336 crore on the exchequer from October 15, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
