Closure of minor ports a major drama, says Siddu

''It is all an eye wash and drama. If Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is concerned over protecting the state's resources, let him ban export of iron ore,'' Congress leader Siddaramaiah said before setting out on the third day of the party's ''Bellary Chalo'' padayatra against BJP government's alleged "misrule" and "failure" to check illegal mining.

Siddaramaiah's reaction came in the wake of Yeddyurappa announcing in Delhi yesterday that his government had ordered immediate closure of ten ports, except Mangalore Port which is under Centre's control, to check iron ore shipments for exports.

"The closure of ports is not an answer to Congress demand for a CBI probe into illegal mining", Siddaramaiah told reporters.

He alleged the ore was also being sent from fisheries ports, which had badly affected fishermen.

"The Padayatra launched on July 25 has been an overwhelming success as it has turned into a people's movement now," he said.