Daijiworld Media Network – Shimoga (SP)

Shimoga, Oct 27: In spite of stout resistance from the Reddy Brothers for his decision to levy a toll on the trucks carrying iron ore, wooden logs and sand, Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, reiterated that there is no question on going back from this decision.

“This decision was not taken all of a sudden. Since the last three years, the proposal of collecting toll for heavy trucks moving on the highways was under consideration. Roads in which thousands of crores of rupees were invested, have collapsed because of the movement of these trucks. For their repairs, it was decided to levy Rs 1,000 per truck load,” he clarified at a press conference held here on Monday October 26.

Yeddyurappa admitted that Reddy Brothers, who are involved with mining, had expressed their opposition to the proposal, feeling that the toll of Rs 1,000 is too much. There was a difference of opinion, but they were told that the government is left with no other option but to levy this toll. As this is a decision of the cabinet, its withdrawal is impossible, he stressed.

Yeddyurappa, apparently referring to the allegation of interference made by ministers loyal to the Reddy Camp, against Shobha Karandlaje, clarified that none of the ministers were interfering in the affairs of other departments. “I am scared to speak. Because, everything is turning out to be controversial now-a-days. I am speaking, after exercising care,” he said.