'No Cabinet reshuffle'

Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, Shettar said a delegation of ministers led by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa met BJP national leaders in New Delhi on Saturday and apprised them of the recent political development in the State. The issue of Cabinet expansion or reshuffle did not come up in the meeting, he said.

Saying that the Opposition parties failed in constructive criticism, he said they (Opposition parties) harped only on mining issue during the session. There were several major issues, especially implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme, strengthening primary education and agriculture, which should have been discussed at length. The Opposition leaders did not show any interest on these issues.

Replying to a question, Shettar said the Government will not hand over the mining row to the CBI. Recent statistics proved that the CBI had failed in its investigations in several cases pertaining to the State.

He said, the Lokayukta had constituted a team and had taken up investigation on alleged illegal mining activities in the State. A comprehensive report on the issue will be submitted to the Government shortly, he added.