Cong demands resignation of ministers who own mines

BANGALORE: Congress in Karnataka on Saturday demanded resignation of three state ministers, who are also owners of mines, till the joint survey of mining areas in the border areas of the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh was completed.

Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy, his brother G Janardhana Reddy (tourism Minister) and the family confidante B Sriramulu (Health Minister) own iron ore mining license in the name of Obalapuram Mining Company in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Department of Survey to complete survey of mining areas between Bellary and Anantapur in six months, in the wake of complaints stating that illegal mining activity was on in the region and boundaries.

KPCC President R V Deshpande told reporters here, "if the Ministers have any self respect they should step down immediately".

Apparently referring to a case filed against the Chief Minister's joint secretary B G Nandakumar for allegedly canvassing for the saffron party in Chikmagalur, Deshpande said it was unfortunate that the BJP government had misused officials of IAS rank during polls.