Cong raps Karnataka CM for giving clean chit to Reddy brothers

Slamming the Karnataka government for avoiding a CBI inquiry in the illegal mining of iron ore and giving a clean chit to the Reddy brothers, Congress today charged Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa with being a "partner in the loot".

Slamming the Karnataka government for avoiding a CBI inquiry in the illegal mining of iron ore and giving a clean chit to the Reddy brothers, Congress today charged Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa with being a "partner in the loot".

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"His (Yeddyurappa's) statement is not befitting that of a chief minister. He has spoken like an agent of the illegal mining mafia. Last week, he had himself admitted that illegal mining is going on in Karnataka and iron ore to the tune of 35 lakh tonnes was illegally exported from the state," AICC General Secretary BK Hariprasad told reporters in New Delhi.

He said after giving a statement on the extent of illegal mining, Yeddyurappa is now giving a clean chit to those involved in the scam.

"It is clear that he is getting a share in this loot," Hariprasad alleged.

Asked whether there was a pressure on the Karnataka chief minister, the Congress leader said, "there is no pressure on him and he is a partner (in the illegal export)".

Hariprasad, who hails from Karnataka, said the state Congress leaders will take up the issue at all levels.

On Monday, the Congress had described the clean chit given to the Reddy brothers as "shocking".

"Though it (clean chit) is shocking, it is not at all surprising... the protectors or supposed protectors are now predators... (there is) absolute abdication of the rule of law in the state. The loot is brazen. The loot is completely uncircumscribed," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi had said.