Illegal mining in AP: CPI-M to raise issue at national level

"As you know, the country is suffering from price rise, there are serious problems of drought and floods in various parts of the country. There are also serious issues like mining problem here in Andhra Pradesh. There is the question of the mining mafia. All these policy matters, we will be taking up at the national level," Karat told reporters here after a meeting with Telugu Desam chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

The TDP, CPI-M, CPI and Lok Satta have joined hands in a fight against the alleged illegal mining by Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Janardhana Reddy, in Anatapur district.
Meanwhile, Naidu said the K Rosaiah government's decision to seek a CBI probe into the issue was not enough and the mining leases given to the company should be scrapped to put an end to the loot of mineral wealth.

"We sought scrapping or at least suspension of the mining leases. The iron ore being illegally transported should be seized. A CBI inquiry should be conducted and then a coordination committee comprising officials of all departments should be set up to establish the extent of loss to the exchequer. We have made this demand," Naidu said.