Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Friday declined to react to the reports that Lokayukta Santosh Hegde had indicted him in his final report on illegal iron ore mining which is yet to be released.
Speaking to a TV channel in Mauritius, where he is holidaying with his family members, Mr Yeddyurappa said “I cannot react at present since the report was not yet submitted to the government by Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde.”
He said, “I dont want to react on reports appearing in news papers or speculated on TV channels. I will react only after receiving the report.”
Replying to a question, he said “Speculation is going on since last six months about an educational institution started by my family members in Shimoga. It is natural that institutions get donations from various organisations from India and abroad. This cannot be concluded as bribe for showing any official favour.”
This was the first time Yeddyurappa was reacting after the Lokaykta report was leaked indicting him.
Meanwhile, Justice Santosh Hegde on Friday described as ”far from truth” media reports that External Affairs minister S M Krishna has been named in his final report on illegal iron ore mining in the state.
Talking to newsmen here he said dragging Mr Krishna’s name in the report was a media creation which was not based on facts. ”I will not retract my statement on this matter because I have never said that the External Affairs Minister is named in the report. He has been named by you (media).” Mr Hegde, however, said former Chief Minister Dharam Singh name was indeed named in the first report he had already submitted to the state government.
According to the ‘leaked’ contents of the report, the names of Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, powerful ministers from Bellary — G Janardhana Reddy, his brother G Karunakara Reddy and their close aide B Sriramuku have been named along with Janata Dal(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and Congress Rajya Sabha member Anil Lad to have been named in the report on illegal mining. (UNI)