In the Indian state of Karnataka the opposition Congress has again raised the issue of illegal mining in the assembly leading to the continued embarrassment of the BJP led government. Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam took on the BJP saying that they should initiate action against Karnataka ministers allegedly involved in illegal mining in Bellary.
While the minister took no names he asked, “Who owns Obalapuram Mining Company?”, then he added that, “I won’t take his name but only tell that he is a minister in the Karnataka government.” He then went on to say how this person had made Rupees 3,000 crore out of illegal mining as no transportation of ore was possible without his consent in the state.
The BJP naturally protested against the attack. This is not the first time that this issue about the Reddy brothers in the BS Yeddyurappa government has been raised and will not be the last. The chief minister has openly accepted in the state assembly that while permission was given to mine 7.12 million tonnes of iron ore much more was mined illegally.
Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam quoted the chief minister on this point before he proceeded to say that if they calculated the value of the illegally exported iron ore, it comes to around Rs 11,000 crore. He added that Lokayukta pointed out that 60 mines were being illegally mined. One of these was the Obalapuram Mining Company.