Opposition continues protest, deadlock persists

The opposition Congress and JD(S) members continued their protest in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for the third straight night demanding a CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal mining scam.

Opposition members spent the night in the Assembly amid signs that there would be no let-up in their stand demanding a CBI probe into the illegal iron ore mining and export scam that they allege is to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore.

“As per the admission of chief minister (B S Yeddyurappa) himself, the scam is worth Rs 20,000 crore. But in reality, it could go up to Rs 50,000 crore,” leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah said this morning. “Even today, if you go to Bellary, you can see illegal mining and transportation continuing unabated,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister has repeatedly said that the Lok Ayukta is probing illegal mining going on from 2002-03 and its report is expected shortly. Yeddyurappa has alleged that those engaged in illegal mining and exports are mostly leaders of Congress and JD(S) and their relatives, adding that the opposition is vigorously pushing for a CBI probe fearing they would be exposed in the Lok Ayukta report.

Siddaramaiah said Lok Ayukta cannot probe the scam as it has inter-state ramifications. Arguing strongly for a CBI enquiry, he said iron ore illegally mined in Karnataka had been shipped out from ports of other states as well and investigation need to be carried out in countries where they have been exported.

Moreover, he pointed out that the chief minister, ministers and MLAs don’t come under the purview of investigation of Lok Ayukta. Siddaramaiah said the opposition would continue its dharna in the Assembly till their demand for a CBI probe is met.