Will quit if I can't stop illegal mining, says Yeddyurappa

Claiming that over three crore tons of iron ore worth over Rs 12,000 crore was illegally shifted out of the country since 2003, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said on Monday that he will quit if he failed to put an end to plundering of the natural resources in the state.

He was replying to a lengthy discussion in the Legislative Council on the issue of resignation (and subsequent withdrawal) of Karnataka Lokayukta Santhosh Hegde and illegal mining. "In 2009-10 alone, about 71 lakh tons of iron ore were illegally shipped out of Karnataka," he said.

Claiming that leaders of different political parties were directly or indirectly involved in illegal mining, he said only Centre could curb the menace through special legislation and appealed Opposition leaders to join a delegation to meet the prime minister on the issue.

Denying charges that he was under pressure from mining barons who were also members of his cabinet, Yeddyurappa retorted that former chief ministers H D Kumaraswamy and N Dharam Singh have taken decisions "detrimental to the interests" of the people (in issuing mining leases).

Listing various measures he had taken against illegal mining, Yeddyurappa said his government had not granted any fresh licence and made it a policy to allow mining only to those units which were in the nature of value addition. Strongly refuting charges of the Opposition that he was helpless in taking strong measures to stop illegal mining, he assured the House that he would rather chose to quit the office if he feels weak to take action against the menace and go before the people seeking fresh mandate.

"I never came under any pressure from any organisation or any individuals in taking action against the illegal mining," an emotionally choked Yeddyurappa said. Opposition Congress and Janata Dal-Secular, demanding a CBI inquiry into illegal mining, staged a dharna in the well of House while Chairman D H Shankaramurthy adjourned the House till Tuesday.

Opposition leader Motamma told reporters later that members would continue their protest till their demand for a CBI inquiry was met.