Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 7: The Karnataka Congress party has lauded the conviction of mining baron and MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy, calling it a strong message against corruption. Reddy was sentenced to seven years in prison by a CBI court in Hyderabad on May 6 for his role in illegal mining that caused a loss of Rs 884 crore. The case, which dates back to 2009, revealed large-scale corruption and land misuse during the YSR government in Andhra Pradesh.

Congress vice president V S Ugrappa, addressing a press conference, said, "This conviction sends a clear message to corrupt politicians across the nation. Those who abuse power must eventually face justice." He also pointed out that Reddy and his associates illegally exported 29 lac metric tonnes of iron ore, valued at Rs 884 cr, and demanded that the state government seize all assets of those involved.

Ugrappa further criticized the BJP leaders linked to Reddy, calling for them to answer for their involvement. He also recalled the efforts made by the Congress party to expose illegal mining, including a report prepared by the party’s fact-finding committee in 2008 and the large protest rally, Republic of Bellary, to raise public awareness.

The illegal mining activities occurred between 2000 and 2006 when the coalition government, led by union minister H D Kumaraswamy, was in power. Ugrappa emphasized the role of Congress leaders in pushing for a CBI inquiry and exposing the issue in the Assembly.

Reddy rejoined the BJP in 2024 after merging his party, Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha, with the BJP.

In response to questions about Mahatma Gandhi’s peace message and CM Siddaramaiah’s stance on war, Ugrappa reiterated that the Congress party remains committed to national security and supports all decisions taken in the interest of the nation.