Speaking to reporters, he said his government has not issued any fresh permission for mining. “The Opposition demand is baseless. They are hurling reckless charges,” he added.
Ever since the Centre ordered a CBI probe into the alleged illegal mining by Obulapuram Mining Company owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy in Ananthpur district, the Congress and the JD(S) in Karnataka are mounting pressure on the Yeddyurappa government to follow suit. They are also demanding that all three ministers from Bellary should be dropped.
The CM further said the CBI is conducting the investigation as per the recommendations by the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh government. “Let us wait for the CBI to file its report on the issue. Or, it will be a grave mistake to come to any conclusion at this juncture,” he stated.
On the demand for dropping three of his ministerial colleagues from Bellary, Yeddyurappa said the question does not arise.
Yeddyurappa criticised both the Congress and the JD(S) for launching a misinformation campaign against him. “After losing elections, they (Opposition) have launched a misinformation campaign against me and my government. I will give an appropriate reply to their charges in the coming winter session of the Legislature. Karnataka is the first State in the country to take a decision to promote value addition of minerals,” he stated.