Governor hits out at state government, again

BJP brands Bhardwaj leader of Opposition.

Firing a fresh salvo at the BJP government in Karnataka, Governor H R Bhardwaj today charged that Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has “failed” to check illegal mining in the state, accusing his administration of being “totally blind” to corruption.

Bhardwaj’s comments were quickly condemned by the BJP with its state unit BJP president K S Eswarappa alleging that “the governor is behaving like an Opposition leader.” Bhardwaj, who has often been at loggerheads with Yeddyurappa, also asked “Is there any rule of law here?”

He demanded that the chief minister reply to his recent letters on illegal mining and alleged land scams. “Illegal mining is still continuing. No action is taken by the government here,” Bhardwaj, who wrote to Yeddyurappa two days ago seeking a report on the issue, told reporters here. Bhardwaj expressed happiness over the Andhra Pradesh High Court vacating stay on CBI probe into allegations of illegal mining in that state and described it as a “good development”.

Tourism Minister and mining magnate G Janardhana Reddy had earlier secured a stay on CBI investigations after the Andhra Pradesh government ordered a probe into illegal mining by firms, including the Obulapuram Mining Corporation, owned by Reddy. However, Bhardwaj said no action had been taken in Karnataka to check illegal mining, apparently targetting Bellary brothers — Janard-hana Reddy and Karunakara Reddy — who are state ministers — and their close associate Sriramalu.

“Illegal mining should be stopped but this government will not do anything. They are totally blind to corruption,” he said, adding “citizens are complaining but nobody is moving,” he said. The Governor said he had sought reports on the illegal mining issue on earlier occasions too, but the government did not respond.

“It is my duty to protect the state’s interest. I have written several letters to the state government on various issues. I am also sending reports every month to the Centre on the happenings which I continue to do,” Bhardwaj said.

“As a Governor I have to check whether what is appearing in the media is correct and if it is correct, I must get a report. I have a right under the Constitution,” he asserted, justifying his latest letters to Yeddyurappa. At Gadag, Yeddyurappa told reporters that his office had received two letters from the Governor and he would reply to them in two days time.