Illegal mining issue: Congress treads into Reddy’s Bellary turf
By ANIMonday, August 9, 2010
BELLARY - The Congress Party’s 320-kilometer ‘Bellary Chalo’ padayatra from Bangalore to press the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Karnataka to order a CBI inquiry into the illegal mining issue is set to enter the mining hub of Bellary on Monday.
Tight security arrangements have been made so that the rally goes off peacefully. Congress party activists are expected to enter Bellary around 1 p.m.
It has been reported that State Congress heavyweights will address a rally here today to mark the end of the 16-day-long walk.
Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy said Congress leaders are most welcome to visit Bellary District and witness developments there.
“We are welcoming all these Congress people, heartily to Bellary. I have told all my BJP workers to treat them like our guests. Let them come to Bellary and see the development of the Bellary because even Sonia Gandhi hasn’t turned to Bellary,” said Reddy.
Reddy further said that there was no point in the padayatra since the Karnataka Government has already banned the export of iron ore.
Congress leaders began their march from Bangalore on July 25, and reportedly walked for 20 kilometers every day, covering an average of three km per hour for 15 days.
The Reddy brothers are facing allegations of illegal mining of iron ore by encroaching upon a large chunk of forestland in the area, and causing huge damage to the environment. (ANI)
