In the continuing war of words over illegal mining, Bellary district in-charge Minister G. Janardhana Reddy on Monday alleged that several Congress leaders of Bellary district were linked to illegal mining. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) leadership reacted soon thereafter holding the Bellary Ministers responsible for the scam and the statement of Mr. Reddy as an attempt to divert attention.
Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Reddy alleged that family members of the former Minister, M.Y. Ghorpade, legislator Santosh Lad, Rajya Sabha member Anil Lad, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Abdul Wahab, former MP H.G. Ramulu and former All-India Congress Committee member S.M. Jain were involved in illegal mining.
He has based his charge on a report submitted by the Lokayukta to the government. The Lokayukta's interim report, submitted in December 2008, contains the names of the mining companies that have “encroached upon” adjoining areas of their respective mines, and Mr. Reddy gave the names of political leaders who are controlling these companies. Accusing the Congress leaders of hurting the pride of the people of Bellary, he said the BJP would organise a convention “Swabhimaani samaavesha” in Bellary on August 20 . Meanwhile, the State Congress leaders have commenced preparations for a Bangalore-Bellary padayatra set to commence on July 25 from here . Mr. Reddy suggested that a group of journalists could visit Bellary to investigate illegal mining. “We are 24-carat gold and nobody can find fault with us. The Congress and JD(S) cannot paint us black,” he added.
