Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SB)

Bangalore, Nov 22: The recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court on mining have put the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in a spot. The recommendation seeks suspension of mining leases, including those possessed by the Reddys of Bellary in Anantapur district, till the demarcation of boundaries of mining leases is done.

The committee has observed that the Obulapuram Mining Company owned by the Reddys had encroached upon mining lease area of other companies. However, the CM did not find any reason to take action against the Reddys in his Cabinet.

Speaking to media persons on Saturday November 22, CM said that he will only react after he will go through the CEC report. Ruling out referring the matter to CBI, Yeddy said that he would discuss the issue with the senior leaders in the party. When queried why action was not taking action against the Reddys, he said, “The time to act against them has not yet come. Wait and see.”

However, sources in the party say that the CM is 'indebted' to the Reddys for various reasons including conducting ‘Operation Lotus’. Moreover, CM is aware that the Reddys have at least 40 MLAs with them.