Yeddyurappa slams Oppn on illegal mining issue

New Delhi, July 18: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has slammed Congress Party and Janata Dal (Secular) for attacking his ministers, Janardhana and Karunakara Reddy, without any substantial proof in the controversial illegal mining row.

Addressing the media after his meeting with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari on Saturday, Jul 17, Yeddyurappa said the charges against the Reddy brothers are baseless.

"Unnecessarily, without any base, they are mentioning Bellary friends and also Bellary ministers. So far they have not interfered in any matter and they don't have any charges against them. Unnecessarily, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) are creating problems, said Yeddyurappa.

"They are telling so many things, which is far away far from true. If what all have any evidence for that charges, let them come out, let them approach the courts. Why unnecessarily they are creating a problem I don't know," he added.

Karnataka Chief Minister also gave details about his meeting with the Prime Minister.

"The Prime Minister was kind enough to give a patient hearing on all issues, specially the issue of ore exploitation of the natural resources, and the need for banning of export of iron ore," said Yeddyurappa.

"We have also requested the Prime Minister to convene a meeting of the chief ministers of mineral-rich states to discuss about the impact of excessive mining and related issues. He appreciated the steps taken by the Karnataka Government regarding mining activities and also maintain law and order situation," he added.

On Friday, Yeddyurappa met Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj and apprised him of the initiative taken by him over illegal mining in the State.

The Reddy brothers are facing allegations of illegal mining of iron ores by encroaching upon a large chunk of forestland in the area causing huge damage to the environment.

ANI