Centre, AP govt engaged in vindictive politics: Reddy

Reddy told reporters here on Sunday that the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has no authority to file a report on mining in Andhra Pradesh.

Suspension of mining operations of the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) by the AP government, was an illegal act, he said. “There are about 200 mine owners in the country. But, the Centre is targeting me only. Can’t they find illegal mining elsewhere?” he said.

‘Allegations baseless’

Stating that he had not carried out illegal mining, Reddy said, “The allegations made by TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu, Congress leaders R V Deshpande, Siddaramaiah and JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy are all baseless.” Reddy claimed that he co-operated with the CBI officers.

The Tourism Minister further claimed that the AP High Court has cleared him of the charges of illegal mining. He also claimed that the High Court had criticised the Centre for ordering the CBI inquiry. However, he did not divulge details of the conditions imposed by the HC on mining operations.

However, the HC order has not handed over a carte blanche for mining. The order has imposed five conditions on the Company. The OMC is prohibited from carrying out mining operations to the extent of about 40 metres towards the Karnataka boundary where it was alleged to have encroached upon the State’s borders.

It has also been directed to furnish bank guarantee before lifting the iron ore stock of 1.95 lakh tonnes. On Deshpande’s remarks that Reddy had approached the Congress a month ago to join the party, he said only Deshpande, Siddaramaiah and Ugrappa had the habit of knocking on the doors of different parties throughout their career. He would remain in the BJP, he said.