Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 9: Mining baron and Gangawati MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy has been disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly following his conviction in a major illegal mining case. The disqualification was officially notified by M K Vishalakshi, secretary of the Karnataka Assembly, on May 8.
According to the notification, Reddy’s disqualification takes effect from May 6, the date of his conviction by the CBI Special Court in Hyderabad. The seat representing Gangawati constituency has now fallen vacant. The disqualification comes under Article 191(1)(e) of the Indian Constitution and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. It will remain in effect for an additional six years following his release, unless the conviction is overturned by a higher court.
Reddy was sentenced to seven years in prison on May 6 in connection with the Obulapuram illegal mining case, which involved a loss of Rs 884 crore to the exchequer. The long-standing case, which dates back to 2009, exposed widespread corruption and illegal extraction of iron ore under the Y S Rajasekhara Reddy-led government in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
The ruling Congress in Karnataka has welcomed the verdict, saying it reinforces the principle that corrupt politicians will be held accountable. Addressing reporters, Karnataka Congress vice president V S Ugrappa said, “The sentencing of Janardhana Reddy sends a clear message to those who abuse power. The illegal export of 29 lac metric tonnes of iron ore, worth Rs 884 crore, has been proven. This is justice in action.”
Ugrappa also demanded that the Karnataka government seize all properties of the convicted individuals, treating the recovered amount as land revenue dues. He further urged legal action against officials and leaders who were complicit in the scam during their tenure.
Janardhana Reddy had merged his regional party, the Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha, with the BJP in 2024 and re-entered the party, which had earlier distanced itself from him following the mining allegations.
With the Gangawati seat now vacant, a bypoll is expected in due course.