Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 2: Former state minister B Ramanath Rai has handed over a memorandum to the district deputy commissioner, alleging that illegal sand extraction is going on in the taluk, and asking her to stop the same. Bantwal BJP president Devappa Poojary said that the Congress is itself indulging in illegal sand extraction. 

"Those who are involved with this illegal activity are found in the company of the former minister during his trips. But they were not present when the petition was handed over. A number of Congress people's representatives are involved with this activity. Therefore, Rai has lost the moral right to speak about illegal sand extraction. After the current MLA was elected, the officials have been functioning without any external pressure. He has not been supporting any illegal activities," Devappa said in a press statement.

Congress responds:

Bantwal block Congress said that illegal sand extraction and other illegal activities have been going on all over the taluk since the last two years due to the blessings of the MLA. It observed that the MLA, who speaks about the duties and responsibilities of those in power, tragically is himself ignorant about them.

In a press statement, Bantwal block Congress committee blamed the MLA for his irresponsibility in maintaining silence over illegal sand mining that has created problems for the taluk. It warned that if attempts to malign the image of B Ramanath Rai is made through malicious campaigning, the Congress will launch agitation against illegal activities in the constituency under the leadership of Rai.