Dharwad: Karnataka Balavikas Academy Chairman Vedavyas Koulagi has reacted strongly to the statement made by former chief minister Jagadish Shettar on the State government’s stand on Kappattagudda conservation.
In a press release issued here, Koulagi said former CM Shettar has no moral rights to speak on the issue, as the BJP government was run by the money garnered through illegal mining activity.
The BJP leaders literally looted the iron ore and other natural resources by indulging in illegal mining at Bellary and Sandur. The mining activities were under control till the BJP came to power, he alleged.
After the BJP took over power, the loot of ore started and the Reddy brothers who used to get Rs.3,000 Crore from illegal mining every month funded for running the government, he alleged.
Koulagi said some officials misguided the government in 2008, saying that gold ore was available in Kappattagudda and started mining activities there. Now, the BJP leaders were blaming the Congress government for spoiling the Kappattagudda environment. It is quite evident that BJP leader Sriramulu used the money earned through illegal mining, for conducting mass marriages every year in Gadag, he added.
He said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was a committed politician and his government would not allow anybody to loot the wealth of Kappattagudda. The Congress government would not have any nexus with industrialists and is committed to protect the Kappattagudda, he stated.
