Attacking the Centre for its apathy on the issue of banning iron ore exports, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today threatened to launch a legal battle over the issue.

"Why is the Centre sitting silent. Why has it not acted to check illegal mining and illegal export of iron ore in the country, particularly in mineral rich states where the menace is rampant", he asked as he came under fresh attack from Congress, which accused him of granting new mining licences.

"I will go to the Supreme Court. I will fight a legal battle", said Yeddyurappa, whose government has come under fire from the Congress and JDS over illegal mining issue.

State ministers and mining magnets Janardhana Reddy and Karunakara Reddy, both brothers, and their close associate Sriramalu have specifically come under opposition attack.

"Why is the Centre insisting on exports. What action has it taken to check illegal export. Why are your hands tied. Who is behind this?, Yeddyurappa asked after former opposition Congress leader in the legislative council V S Ugrappa called him a "liar" and charged him with granting mining licenses.


Yeddyurappa, however, brushed aside the allegations as "politically motivated" and asserted that he had recommended issuing of mining licences in respect of two cases, that too only for value addition.

The Centre did not grant mining licence to Central PSU Visveswaraya Iron and Steel Ltd, located in his home district Shimoga and to Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd, Yeddyurappa said and alleged it was because these firms cannot offer "anything", unlike others.

Yeddyurappa appealed to the Centre to permit him to ban exports for an year.

He again charged that it was Congress and JDS leaders who were involved in illegal mining and illegal exports and the on-going Lokayukta probe would "bare it all".

Yeddyurappa said he was ready to appoint another Upa Lokayukta within 15 days to assist the Lokayukta in the illegal mining probe and equip the institution with additional staff.

He said CID had already filed cases against 58 companies for alleged mysterious disappearance of five lakh tons of iron ore from Belekere port and arrested the Port Conservator Mahesh Biliye in this connection.

"Who are these companies. Let Congress leaders come out with their names", Yeddyurappa dared.

Ugrappa had two days ago accused Yeddyurappa of sanctioning 17 fresh mining licences and demanded his resignation.

Yeddyurappa released a list of firms recommended to the Centre for granting of mining licence by previous Congress and JDS governments.
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