Bellary, Karnataka:
The BJP's Janardhan Reddy, who spearheaded the rebellion against Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, is now facing another battle. The Andhra Pradesh government is investigating allegations of encroachment and illegal mining at the Obulapuram mines in the state owned by the Reddy brothers. Janardhan Reddy dismisses them saying it's all out of jealousy.
"Chandrababu Naidu is jealous as he is not with character, not at all a disciplined character politician," Reddy told NDTV.
"I got my mining lease in AP when Chandrababu Naidu was chief minister. They are jealous because the mining boom came during YSR's time," he said.
The Congress-led government in Andhra has ordered a three-member committee of Forest Department officials to inquire into the charges, but Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu is not satisfied.
The TDP, which alleges that the state government showed undue favour in issuing mining lease, wants the contract to the company suspended.
But Reddy says, "Only the government of India can grant lease, the state government can only recommend."
Reddy refuted allegations that the late Andhra chief minister YSR Reddy gave special land rates.
"The amount for mining has been specified in the MMRD Act," he added. "We have committed no violation, we are a disciplined family."
The Reddys, known as the Bellary Mining brothers, were close to YSR Reddy, and reportedly hold business interests with YSR's son Jaganmohan, which include the Brahmani Steels in Cuddapah and 17,000 acres of land allotted to them by YSR to set up a Rs 25,000-crore steel plant.
Reddy said, "Rosaiah is obliged to investigate if somebody complains. Even YSR did an all-party survey of our mines. Our relationship with the YSR family is personal and goes back 20 years. We are the same community."
Reddy, however, asserted that Jaganmohan had not invested a single paise in his business.