AP puts Reddy on the burner with CBI probe

After showing his strength as a major political force to reckon with in the two key southern states—Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh—in the last few months, mining baron and Karnataka tourism minister Gali Janardhana Reddy is staring at a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged violations in mining activities.

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to seek a CBI probe into the irregularities in the mining in Anantapur district. While deciding not to make any specific mention of Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Reddy in its letter to the central home ministry, the state government is seeking a probe into the mining activities in Anantapur district, which borders Karnataka.

Political observers told DNA that, by doing so, the Andhra chief minister K Rosaiah will be able to kill two birds with one stone—keep YS Jaganmohan Reddy, the son of late Andhra chief minister YS Rajashekhara Reddy, in check, as well as appease the opposition.