Mining row: Karnataka House deadlock continues

Deadlock in Karnataka over the mining issue continued for the second day with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa failing to convince the Opposition to let the proceedings go on smoothly.

The Opposition leaders, who continued their dharna on the floor of the House, say they will not relent unless and until the chief minister announced a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into illegal mining since both the Lokayukta and the CID were incapable of taking any action.

The Speaker had no option, but to adjourn proceedings until tomorrow. The chief minister made several requests to the Opposition to call off dharna, but the Opposition demanded a CBI probe and also action against the Reddy brothers who they alleged had threatened to finish them off and also tried and assault them on the floor of the House.

The protest comes in the wake of the chief minister shifting the onus to the Union government to amend the mining policy.

The CM, who said that he would step down if the issue is not resolved further, went on to state export of iron ore has been banned. He, however, added that the power to ban the export by existing mine owners rests with the Centre.

Meanwhile, the Bellary Reddy brothers have moved court against the notice by the Election Commission of India. The Governor of Karnataka had stated in a report that the Reddy brothers had amassed more wealth than declared in their affidavit, while referring it to EC.