"Without receiving kickbacks, the government could not have lifted the ban on sand export from coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi," Yeddyurappa alleged at a press conference here.
He said the government decision came as the price had shot up from Rs 5,000 a truck load to Rs 30,000.
Yeddyurappa claimed he had resisted the pressure of those clamouring for lifting of ban on sand export during his tenure as Chief Minister, but the Jagadish Shettar led government succumbed to pressure tactics.
Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa welcomed BJP MLC K R Mallikarjunappa and former JDS MLA S Balaraj into KJP. "Many more leaders are keen to join KJP following BJP's defeat in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections," he claimed.