Reddys to submit replies to EC today

As Monday is the last date for submitting their explanation, Revenue Minister Karunakar Reddy, Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy and Health Minister B Sriramulu arrived in Delhi on Sunday evening. It is learnt that along with their advocates, all the three ministers will visit the EC office here and submit their reply on Monday.

Following the petition forwarded by Governor H R Bhardwaj—based on a complaint lodged by Congress MLC K C Kondaiah—the EC has directed Karnataka chief electoral officer to issue a show-cause notice to the mining barons seeking an explanation on the office-of-profit issue.

As all the three ministers are directors of Obulapuram Mining Company, Kondaiah in his petition sought their disqualification as legislators for using "political positions to further their business interests."

Based on Kondaiah's petition, the governor had earlier issued notice and summoned the ministers for hearing in May. However, they failed to appear, and were represented by their advocates.

With Janardhana Reddy questioning the governor's constitutional authority in summoning them and holding an inquiry, the governor referred the case to the EC. If the case is proved, the three ministers will be disqualified as legislators.