The much-awaited final report of the Lokayukta on illegal mining may be submitted to the government on Tuesday. A five-member team of forest officials, which is preparing the 9,000-page report, has been working close to 18 hours a day for the last 25 days to complete the task.
A member of the team told The Hindu on Sunday: “It may be difficult to submit the report on Monday, but it should definitely be ready for submission by Tuesday.” Four members have been provided armed security.
Political activities are gathering steam in the State with Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, who is holidaying in Mauritius along with his family, returning here on Monday morning. Mr. Yeddyurappa, who has been indicted in the leaked version of the report, is scheduled to address a media conference on Monday evening. He is expected to visit Delhi and call on BJP central leaders after the submission of the report by the Lokayukta.
Mr. Yeddyurappa's detractors within the party commenced their confabulations on Sunday. Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shettar and party national general secretary Ananth Kumar, who had recently rebelled against Mr. Yeddyurappa, held a meeting here. The party appears to be veering to the view that Mr. Yeddyurappa will have to step down if the report finds him guilty.
Meanwhile, the demand for action against Mr. Yeddyurappa grew with Congress leaders going in a delegation to the Raj Bhavan and appealing to the Governor to act against him. They accused the Chief Minister of trying to influence the findings in the report and tapping the Lokayukta's telephone.
Governor H.R. Bhardwaj said he would convey his opinion to the President after the Lokayukta report is officially submitted. However, he said he could not intervene with respect to the allegations of the Lokayukta's phone being tapped unless being requested by the Lokayukta.
