By Team Mangalorean Bangalore

Gulbarga/Bangalore, November 20, 2009: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today ruled out recommending to the Centre CBI inquiry into the illegal mining in Bellary district on the lines of Andhra Pradesh Government.

Addressing a press conference at Surpur, he said there was no need for a CBI inquiry on the illegal mining activities as no such activity was taking place here. ''I do not think there is a need for an inquiry by the CBI in to the mining activities in the State as no such illegal mining being taken place,'' Mr Yeddyurappa added.

When asked that the Government of Andhra Pradesh had ordred an inquiry by CBI into the illegal mining by the Obulapuram Mines Company, owned by his Cabinet Minister G Janardhan Reddy and his brother Revenue Minister G Karunakar Reddy, Mr Yeddyurappa said that decision was taken by the Andhra Pradesh Government. "I think such an inquiry is not necessary in the State,'' he said.

Delay in rehabilitation

Yeddyurappa today agreed with Governor H R Bhardwaj's statement saying flood relief operation was affected due to political infighting in the ruling BJP.

Mr Yeddyurappa said ''it is true that the flood relief work has been affected during political crisis, but the works have been taken up on warfooting now.'' Earlier, Mr Yeddyurappa laid foundation stone for relocation of flood vulnerable villages.

Stating the tardy manner of relief works were being carried out and the irregularities had come to his notice, he said ''I have given powers to the Deputy Commissioners to take stern action against officials who were indulge in corruption and non-performing officials. ''I have also directed the Chief Secretary to submit detailed reports on the flood relief works to the Governor as well as to the Lokayukta, which had also alleged about non-transperancy in the relief works.''

About proposed relocation of 345 flood vulnerable villages in Northern Karnataka, Mr Yeddyurappa said acquisition of land for shifting 205 villages had been completed. The Chief Minister said the Centre had so far given Rs 660 crore to the state for the flood relief works and he would meet the Prime Minister soon to urge for more funds

Reddy asks Governor to specify work not done

Karnataka Minister for Revenue Karunakar Reddy today said if the Governor brings to the knowledge of the government any specific work which was not attended to in the flood affected areas it would be looked into.

Talking to newsmen after a review meeting with the officials in Dharwad, he said ''if the Governor specifies any particular work going tardily, the government would take necessary action to speed up.'' Mr Reddy, however, refused to comment when asked whether the Governor was trying to ploliticise the issue. ''I don't want to comment on the issue. If he brings up any particular case, we will look into it,'' he added.

Replying to a question, he said former Minister Shobha Kharandlje has every right to visit the affected areas, but she has no right to submit any report to the government as stated by her.

Shettar on visit

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Jagadish Shettar, who joined the B S Yeddyurappa government three days ago, today said he would tour the rain-ravaged villages in North Karnataka. "Overall rural development of Karnataka is my top priority and I will start my innings by touring the flood-affected villages," he told reporters here.

Necessary infrastructure facilities have to be provided in these villages to ensure that people there do not migrate to cities, Shettar said. He said Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy and his brother Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy, who played an important role in the formation of BJP government in Karnataka, "cannot be brushed aside", adding that their projection as villians is not acceptable to people.

Meanwhile, Karunakara Reddy told reporters at Dharwad that he would submit a report on the total loss due to floods to Governor H R Bhardwaj soon. The Reddy brothers had spearheaded a oust-Yeddyurappa campaign.

However, the BJP central leadership had brought about a rapprochement between the warring factions in the state.

Congress seeks White Paper on relief works

The Congress on Friday has demanded the Government to bring out a white paper on relief and rehabilitation works undertaken for flood affected people in north Karnataka districts.

Leader of the Opposition in the legislative assembly V S Ugrappa told reporters that the government should furnish all information on collection of funds, release of funds and works taken up in north Karnataka districts.

Governor H.R. Bhardwaj expressed also his disappointment over the pace of flood relief work.

Though the Centre has released Rs. 1559 crore under various schemes, including Calamity Relief Fund, for relief and rehabilitation, the Government has not spent the funds. The State has released just Rs. 44.42 crore for the relief work, Mr Ugrappa alleged.

Under the article 163 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister and the Cabinet has to brief the Governor on rehabilitation works undertaken by the Government. But the Governor has not been provided any information on the matter, Mr Ugrappa charged.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah too lashed out at the Government for its poor relief works in rain devastated districts of north Karnataka.

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