Mining issue: Bangarappa seeks CBI probe from Krishna's regime

Mysore, July 20 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party State President S Bangarappa today demanded a CBI probe into the issue of illegal mining right from the period of the Krishna Government.

Addressing newspersons here, he pointed out that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had himself admitted that illegal mining had been permitted by previous governments and said a CBI probe was necessary right from the term of erstwhile Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna to bring out all the facts and figures.

Referring to the recent bribery allegation made by BJP legislator G Janardhan Reddy against Mr Kumaraswamy, he demanded that the Chief Minister step down immediately as he had no moral right to continue in power.

Mr Reddy had a few days ago alleged that Mr Kumaraswamy and Forests Minister C Chennigappa had received a bribe of Rs 150 crore from the mining lobby in Bellary district. Though he had clarified a couple of days ago that he had not made any direct reference to Mr Kumaraswamy in the scandal, he created a furore in the Legislative Council yesterday by reiterating his charge.

Appreciating Mr Reddy for exposing the scandal, Mr Bangarappa wanted him to come out with evidences to prove his charge.

He also predicted mid-term polls in the state in view of the current political developments.

Mr Bangarappa declined to comment on former Deputy Chief Minister and AIPJD leader Siddaramaiah's decision to join the Congress.

However, he said his party would contest the byelection to the Chamundeshwari constituency, necessitated following the resignation of the seat by Mr Siddaramaiah.

UNI BSP RG RKN1604