Explain role of top leadership in mining issue: Cong to BJP

The Congress' reaction comes in the wake of Yeddyurappa giving a clean chit to the Reddy brothers after meeting senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Sushma Swaraj.

"The Karnataka chief minister met central BJP leaders and announced that two of his ministerial colleagues (Reddy brothers) have nothing to do with illegal mining and would remain in the Cabinet.

"I want to ask the BJP, how did Yeddyurappa get this wisdom only after meeting central leaders like Sushma Swaraj and others," party spokesman Shakeel Ahmed told reporters here, adding, "BJP central leadership should make it clear what role they have in illegal mining."

Upping the ante against the BJP government in Karnataka, AICC General Sectetary B K Hariprasad charged Yeddyurappa with being a "partner in the loot".

"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," 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.