Bangalore : Siddaramiah, congress leader in lower house, has challenged CM Yeddyurappa today (July 2) in the state legislature to order a CBI probe into alleged illegal mining activities (and clandestine exports done) so far, which had caused a huge loss of crores of rupees to the Treasury.
He pointed out that the BJP govt. had not acted effectively on the recommendations of Lokayukta which led to the latter’s resignation 90due to non-co-operation from the state). He demanded that the guilty, however powerful they be, should be booked for affence and punished.
CM told the opposition leader in reply that illegal mining had taken place from 2000 onwards in the state. Over 52 lakh tons of iron ore were exported in 2004-05 when N. Dharam Singh was heading the govt., and Siddaramaiah was Dy CM then.
CM declared that he would lead an all party delegation to Delhi to meet PM and urge him to take strict measure to reduce the menace of illegal mining and exports of iron ore. The discussions are continuing after the Dharna has ended.