Cong raps Karna CM for giving clean chit to Reddy brothers

"His (Yeddyurappa's) statement is not befitting that of a chief minister. He has spoken like an agent of the illegal mining mafia. Last week, he had himself admitted that illegal mining is going on in Karnataka and iron ore to the tune of 35 lakh tonnes was illegally exported from the state," AICC General Secretary B K Hariprasad told reporters here.

He said after giving a statement on the extent of illegal mining, Yeddyurappa is now giving a clean chit to those involved in the scam.

"It is clear that he is getting a share in this loot," Hariprasad alleged. Asked whether there was a pressure on the Karnataka chief minister, the Congress leader said, "there is no pressure on him and he is a partner (in the illegal export)".

Hariprasad, who hails from Karnataka, said the state Congress leaders will take up the issue at all levels.

On Sunday  the Congress had described the clean chit given to the Reddy brothers as "shocking".

"Though it (clean chit) is shocking, it is not at all surprising... the protectors or supposed protectors are now predators... (there is) absolute abdication of the rule of law in the state. The loot is brazen. The loot is completely uncircumscribed," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi had said