JD(S) today accused the BJP government of allowing a mining firm in Andhra Pradesh owned by three Karnataka ministers to carry on illegal mining in the border district of Bellary. “To benefit three ministers who are into mining, the BJP Government has surrendered state’s land to the extent of 36 kms (on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border) to the mining firm owned by these individuals,” former prime minister and JDS supremo H D Devegowda alleged at a press conference here.
Gowda, who did not mention any names, was apparently targeting revenue minister G Karunakara Reddy, his brother and tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy and their close aide health minister B Sriramulu, who are in the mining business. The firm, which holds mining licence in Andhra Pradesh, had been engaged in illegal mining in Vennahalli, Halkundi and Belagallu villages in the reserved forest areas of Bellary, he alleged.
While the political parties in the state hitherto had fought for the state’s rights on land and water, the present government had chosen to “surrender” it, Gowda alleged.
The JDS chief said he would write to the President, the prime minister and the Election Commission drawing their attention to the issue.