JOIN USOpposition unrelenting, but CM says no to probe
It was a repeat show of sorts on Wednesday in both the Houses of the legislature over the donation of crores of rupees made to Prerana Trust run by the family members of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
The Opposition parties reiterated their demand for a CBI probe into the funding issue, while Yeddyurappa assumed a tougher posture by declaring that he would not order any probe.
The combined Opposition's hue and cry over the donation issue in both the Houses crippled the scheduled business for the third consecutive day.
The Opposition continued its dharna raising slogans like ‘We want CBI probe,’ ‘Golmal government’.
As the opposition parties, led by Siddaramaiah, in the Assembly continued to stage dharna demanding a CBI inquiry into the issue, Yeddyurappa reiterated that all the allegations were baseless and there was nothing illegal about the donations received by Prerana Education and Social Trust.
“There is no need for any inquiry into the issue. If you have any proof to show that I have done favours to any mining company, I will take appropriate action. You (Opposition parties) are protesting only to get cheap publicity,”the chief minister said. Yeddyurappa said he need not listen to those who had been rejected by the people for looting the exchequer.
He said the Opposition parties should first speak about trusts being run by their party members.
Members like D K Shivakumar are running educational institutions through trusts. First speak about all those trusts and donations they have received, he said.
Though Jindal company set up steel plants several decades ago, the governments in the past did not allot mining leases to the company. Instead, mining leases were awarded to those who had high influence and those who wanted to plunder mineral resources.
“Hence, my government has taken the decision to give mining lease to those who have set up steel plants on priority,” he stated.
Siddaramaiah then sought to know why the chief minister was scared of ordering a CBI inquiry, if there was nothing illegal about it.
Yeddyurappa shot back asking why governments in the past did not take any action to recover Rs 20 crore from senior Congress leader and former chief minister N Dharam Singh in the illegal mining issue. Then members of the ruling and opposition parties indulged in war of words, forcing Speaker K G Bopaiah to adjourn the House.
In the Council, the Opposition did not heed to the request by chairman D H Shankaramurthy to allow Question Hour. Congress leader Motamma, JD(S) leaders M C Nanaiah and Y S V Datta argued that the chief minister had no moral authority to continue in office.
