Even though the Iron ore-rich Bellary district is free from the clutches of mining barons (Reddy brothers), it is again feared that the district may face exploitation from mine owners.
With the major political parties releasing their candidate list, several “tainted and influential mine owners” are in the poll fray in five of the nine constituencies in the district (Kudligi (ST), Bellary city, Hospet, Bellary rural (ST) and Kampli (ST) constituencies).
Mine owners indicted in the Lokayukta report will play a big role in these five seats and also in Sandur, where a candidate is “funded” by mining barons.
Ironically, the Congress, which took out a rally in 2010 from Bangalore to Bellary against illegal mining, has granted ticket to “tainted” mine owners Anil Lad (Bellary City) and Abdul Wahab (Hospet).
The ruling BJP has fielded District in-charge and Tourism Minister Anand Singh from Hospet, whose SB Minerals mining firm was named by the Lokayukta in its report for its alleged role in illegal mining. Eagle Traders and Logistics, Bellary, a company owned by MLA B Nagendra, was the third highest iron ore purchaser from unregistered dealers, according to the CEC report. Nagendra is now contesting as an Independent from Kudligi Assembly constituency.
BSR Congress Party president, Sriramulu, who is a business partner with alleged illegal mining kingpin G Janardhan Reddy, is contesting from Bellary Rural. Also, his nephew, Suresh Babu, who was indicted in the Lokayukta report and was chargesheeted in the infamous ‘cash for bail’ scam, is contesting from Kampli on a BSR Congress Party ticket. It may be recalled that Anil Lad-owned V S Lad Mining Company is included in Category “C” mines in the Central Empowered Committee report and had been indicted in the Lokayukta report.
According to political pundits, these “tainted mine owners” have a bright chance of emerging victorious because of their money power.