The only way left for the state government to tide over the present deadlock arising out
of the unprecedented pandemonium in the assembly over illegal mining, is to agree for a
CBI probe and make an announcement in this regard. One fails to understand why Chief
Minister Yeddyurappa still has reservations in this regard. When the mine resources of
Karnataka have been exported even from the ports of the neighboring states, and when
no state level probing agency can undertake a probe in other states, it would be best to
hand over the case to the CBI. There can be no confusion in this regard.
It is not proper for the CM to argue that he would not hand over the case to the CBI but
would get a probe done by the Lokayukta. Firstly, the government is yet to grant more
powers to the Lokayukta as promised. Even after the promised power is given, the
Lokayukta will have no authority to enquire the CM, ministers or MLAs as the CM has
already said politicos will be spared from Lokayukta purview and even Santosh Hegde
has said ‘ok’ to the same.
As per the available information so far there has been ore business worth Rs 60,000
crores in the state. As admitted by Yeddyurappa, of this Rs 5000 crores accounts to
illegal mining. Though this is Yeddyurappa’s argument, independent observers say the
illegal business might be more than half of the total ore business.
Let alone Karnataka, irregularity of such a huge magnitude has not taken place
anywhere else in the nation. Therefore thee is a need for an impartial probe. If the BJP
government has nothing to cover-up in his regard then it should not hesitate to order for a
CBI probe.
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