BANGALORE: Congress has reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into the illegal mining which caused a whopping Rs 17085 crore loss to the state’s exchequer, and immediate suspension of those officers named in the Lokayukta report. Raising the issue under the Rule 69, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah demanded the government to rope in the CBI to investigate the matter as it involved inter-state issues and FERA violations. Another demand was to keep all the officers who are named in the illegal mining report, under suspension. “What are you waiting for? It is already six months since the report has been submitted. If you don’t take action, a wrong message will go to the people,” he cautioned.
He stressed the need for punishing IAS, IPS and IFS officers who colluded with the illegal mining lobby to loot natural wealth. “You should punish those who are in the decision-making position,” Siddaramaiah said.
The opposition leader who referred the Lokayukta report point by point, took serious objection to the state government’s decision to seek clarification from the Lokayukta saying that no such provision under the Lokayukta Act existed.
“If you don’t meet our demands, then, we will be forced to infer that the CM is trying to shield the corrupt,” Siddaramaiah said.
Deputy Leader of Opposition T B Jayachandra, too, made a similar demand. The state government will give its reply on Tuesday.
‘CONVENE MEET on lokayukta’
Siddaramaiah demanded the chief minister to convene a meeting of opposition leaders and presiding officers of both houses of the Legislature to select a ‘good person’ to the post of Lokayukta.
“Why are you so particular about one name. Let us sit together and select a good name. Delay in appointment is sending the wrong signals,” Siddaramaiah said.