Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Sep 18: Former minister, MLA and JDS leader, H D Revanna, has alleged that a mediator named Lehar Singh has been in discussions with the state government on the issue of granting mining lease to ArcelorMittal in the state, and that the deal involves a kickback of Rs 500 crore. Speaking at a press conference held here on Friday September 17, he urged the state Governor to intervene in the matter and ensure that the deal is not put through. Besides, he also demanded for the issue to be referred for Lokayukta investigation. Revanna added that senior officials of the state government gave these details to him.

“During the Global Investors Meet, the government has entered into understandings with various concerns. Several of such understandings have also allowed the natural resources of the state to be plundered. Reportedly, the government has received 1,500 applications for mining licences. There have been moves to avoid the tendering process altogether, and issue mining lease to the said company directly,” he charged.  He reiterated that a person named Lehar Singh has been working as a liaison officer between the said firm and the Chief Minister (CM),  at the same time, claiming that he does not whether he is a MLC by the name, Lehar Singh.  While demanding that mining licences be issued only to the highest bidders, he challenged the Chief Minister to refer this issue to the Lokayukta, if the latter is sure that nothing illegal is involved with the issue.

Recollecting the announcement made by the CM during the recent by elections that he would make public the irregularities with which the opposition leaders were involved, he called upon the CM to lay bare all the details and send those leaders, who are found to be guilty, to jail.