No illegal mining in state, reiterates CM

Rejecting the Opposition’s demand for a CBI probe into alleged illegal mining in the state, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today claimed there was no such activity going on and that he had not granted any new mining licence.

“During my tenure I have not granted any new mining licence. There is no illegal mining. I am ready to accept any challenge from the opposition parties on this issue,” he told reporters here, two days after Congress took out a rally to press for a CBI probe on the issue.

“There is no rhyme or reason in the Opposition’s allegations. They are hurling reckless charges against me,” said Yeddyurappa.

The Andhra Pradesh government has already sought an investigation by CBI, he said, adding “let the probe go on and the report be submitted. However, before the inquiry is held, the Opposition is trying to label me as an accused”.

“These jobless opposition parties are engaging in a malicious campaign against me and trying to grab power. But these attempts will not deter me,” Yeddyurappa said.

“People have already pronounced their verdict on who is a weak or strong chief minister. Let the Opposition raise these issues on the floor of the house, I will reply,” he said. The Obulapuram mining company owned by Karnataka ministers, Janardhana Reddy, his brother Karunakara Reddy and their associate Sreeramulu, has come under the CBI scanner after Andhra Pradesh decided to refer alleged illegal mining by it to the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court, which is seized of the matter, had appointed a Central Empowered Committee which concluded OMC was carrying out “illegal” mining of iron ore on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.

The Centre has suspended forest clearances of some firms, including OMC, for allegedly carrying out illegal mining in six mines in Andhra Pradesh.

The three ministers had spearheaded an oust-Yeddyurappa campaign recently, but patched up at the central leadership’s intervention.