Illegal mining scam: Reddy asks Congress leaders to witness Bellary's developments

Bangalore, Aug 6 (ANI): Reacting to the Congress party's 'Bellary Chalo' padayatra from Bangalore to Bellary to press the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Karnataka to order a CBI inquiry into the illegal mining issue, Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy on Friday said Congress leaders are most welcome to visit Bellary District and witness the developments.

Addressing a seminar hosted by State's Infrastructure Development Department here, Reddy said: "We are welcoming all these Congress people, heartily to Bellary. I have told all my BJP workers to treat them like our guests. Let them come to Bellary and see the development of the Bellary because even Sonia Gandhi hasn't turned to Bellary."

"Sushma Swaraj is coming to Bellary. From last eleven years, how much development we are doing in Bellary. Let them come and see it," he added.

Reddy further said that there was no point in mooting this padayatra since the Karnataka Government has already banned export of iron ore.

The Congress leaders began their march from Bangalore on July 25, and will walk for 20 km every day, covering an average of three km per hour for 15 days.

The padayatra ends in Bellary on August 9.

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)