Reddy Brothers Involved in Illegal Mining: SC
Mining magnates Reddy brothers whose rebellion made Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa bow down are in for a trouble with the Supreme Court saying that their companies are carrying out illegal mining along the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.
So it turns out that the beleaguered Yeddyurappa is all at once receiving help from unexpected quarters: Congress chief minister of Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah and the Supreme Court.
It may be mentioned that the apex court’s indictment came a day after Rosaiah said that he would ask for a CBI probe into the illegal mining being carried out by Reddy brothers inside Andhra.
The apex court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has reported that the company owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy was carrying out illegal mining of iron ore along the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.
The committee has recommending stopping all mining in the area. The CEC’s recommendation along with the threat of a CBI inquiry will reduce Reddy brothers’ further bargaining power with Yeddyurappa despite their connections with YS Jaganmohan Reddy, which the Bellary Reddys deny.
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“What is the relationship between Anantpur mines and Jaganmohan Reddy, the son of late YSR? There is no connection,” claims Jaganmohan Reddy.
The Supreme Court’s observation will also help the Opposition Telugu Desam Party which has been targeting both sets of Reddys.
“They earn huge money. Now they are using muscle power, money power and also political power. Ultimately they are becoming mafia,” TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu says.
In the complicated politics and cross border conflicts and alliances across Andhra and Karnataka, it is the two chief ministers, both of them on shaky ground, who will be smiling.
