I have been accused unfairly: Yeddyurappa

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, indicted by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining, on Sunday claimed that he had been accused "unfairly" despite his efforts to preserve natural resources in the state.

Reading out a statement in front of Raj Bhavan after tendering his resignation, Yeddyurappa said it was his government that unveiled a new mineral policy and banned export of iron ore.

"Ours is the first state government in the country to take up this revolutionary measure which was upheld by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court," he said.

"Despite my sincere attempts to preserve the natural resources of the state, I have been accused unfairly. I leave this to the judgement of the enlightened people of the state."

Indicting him in the illegal mining scam, the Lokayukta report had called for his prosecution under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Yeddyurappa, who dragged his feet for three days on submitting his resignation after the party high command directed him to quit, described himself as a "disciplined soldier" of the party.

"I believed from the beginning that no sacrifice is above the party. Therefore, bowing to the directive of the party seniors, I have stepped down from the Chief Minister's post without any hesitation," he said.

Yeddyurappa said when he took over the reins of the state on May 30, 2008 he had promised to strive for a "strong and vibrant" Karnataka, and while stepping down from chief ministership he has the "satisfaction" of having done his best to realise the promise.

"I sincerely hope that the new chief minister will take a cue from this and take the state forward," he said.

Yeddyurappa highlighted several programmes implemented by his government including the first-ever separate agriculture budget, encouragement to organic farming and the Global Investors Meet, which had attracted an investment of over Rs five lakh crore, creating jobs for over seven lakh youth.

He said his government had planned a Global Agri-Investors Meet to attract private investments for the agriculture sector.

Making a mention of the novel scheme brought out by his government, wherein monthly pension of Rs 1,000 had been extended to unmarried women over 50 years, Yeddyurappa said he had the "immense satisfaction of working according to the aspirations of the people and utilising the position of power for the public good".

Taking an indirect swipe at the Opposition, the chief minister said he had in the last 40 years of his public life travelled every nook and corner of the state to organise and strengthen the party and was instrumental in bringing the first ever BJP government in the South.

"Despite indiscriminate attacks by the Opposition day in and day out, I have marched forward without getting disillusioned and disheartened," he said.

Taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Yeddyurappa said the picture of people gathering in large numbers at his public meetings "with new hopes and aspirations in their eyes" remains etched in his mind and was always a source of inspiration for him.

"While stepping down from the position of the chief minister, I have now resolved not to take rest but actively involve myself in the work of organising the party and serve the people in future also," he said.

Expressing his indebtedness to the people of the state for their love and affection, Yeddyurappa promised that he would leave "no stone unturned to live up to their aspirations".