Has K’taka Cong Embraced the Conviction of MLA Janardhana Reddy?

Bangalore, May 7 (NationPress) The ruling Congress party in Karnataka has expressed its support for the conviction of mining tycoon and MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy, asserting that it delivers a clear warning to those engaged in corrupt activities.

MLA Reddy serves the Gangavathy Assembly constituency in Karnataka.

In a verdict related to the Obulapuram mining case delivered on May 6, a CBI court in Hyderabad found Gali Janardhana Reddy and three accomplices guilty of illegal mining, resulting in a staggering Rs 884 crore loss. This case, which dates back to 2009, unveiled extensive corruption and land exploitation during the YSR administration in the former Andhra Pradesh. The court imposed a sentence of seven years on Reddy.

During a press conference, Karnataka Congress Vice President V.S. Ugrappa remarked, “The sentencing of Janardhana Reddy to seven years in prison sends a powerful and unequivocal message to corrupt politicians nationwide. This serves as a prime example that those who abuse their power will ultimately face justice.”

He elaborated, “A total of 29 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore were unlawfully exported by Janardhana Reddy and his associates, with a value of Rs 884 crore, as confirmed by the court. They have now been held accountable. BJP leaders linked to him, including national figures, must respond. I have previously claimed that resources worth over Rs 1 lakh crore were plundered.”

Ugrappa further urged, “I call upon the state government to confiscate all assets linked to those implicated, treating this theft as arrears of land revenue. Action should also be initiated against the officials and state leaders who were in power at that time and profited from this corruption.”

Between 2000 and 2006, during which the illegal mining occurred, the coalition government led by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was in power. At that time, Forest Minister C. Chennigappa had communicated with the Chief Minister regarding illegal mining activities. “Using that letter, I raised the issue in the Assembly, demanding a CBI inquiry,” Ugrappa recounted.

The previous government formed a commission led by Justice U.L. Bhat, which later recommended a CBI investigation. “When we insisted on an inquiry, it was handed over to the Lokayukta. The Congress party, along with leaders like K.C. Kondaiah and myself, supported this fight.

From Malpanagudi in Andhra Pradesh to Tumati and Vittalapura in Karnataka, spanning a 32 km stretch of mineral-rich land, Janardhan Reddy and his team illegally exported 29 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore,” Ugrappa claimed.

“The Congress party provided the most thorough and precise report on illegal mining. The fact-finding committee, led by me, released its findings on November 16, 2008. The Lokayukta utilized this report to prepare its preliminary conclusions. The Congress even organized a significant protest rally – the Republic of Bellary campaign – to raise public awareness,” Ugrappa stated.

“When former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa discussed illegal mining, he falsely asserted that no such activities occurred. However, it was the previous government that facilitated this theft. At that time, former minister B. Sriramulu even intimidated forest officials, leading to complaints against him. Today, those who misused their power have been justly penalized,” he stated.

“In the report I compiled, every detail of Janardhan Reddy and his team's illegal actions was unveiled. They even vandalized British-era boundary markers delineating mining limits,” Ugrappa alleged.

Janardhana Reddy rejoined the BJP in 2024 after announcing the merger of his Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha with the BJP.

When questioned about the Karnataka Congress unit citing Mahatma Gandhi’s peace message during Operation Sindoor, Ugrappa clarified, “This was unintended. For the past six months, we’ve shared daily messages on social media to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Belagavi Assembly Session. This post was part of that initiative.”

When asked about CM Siddaramaiah’s previous statements opposing war, the Congress leader responded, “He has already clarified his position. During an all-party meeting, opposition leaders extended full support unconditionally. The Congress is dedicated to backing all decisions made for national security. The nation takes precedence, followed by politics. The sacrifices of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were also for the nation.”

Ugrappa added, “After 26 individuals, including three civilians from Karnataka, perished in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the Indian armed forces eliminated nine terrorist hideouts in a retaliatory strike. Pakistan is our adversary. This operation is a commendable action as it conveys a strong message to the perpetrators of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

“The Congress party endorses every decision made by the Central Government in favor of national security. This position has the backing of Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, ” he concluded.