Bengaluru: The decision of the BJP and Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to give Forest portfolio to mining baron and turncoat MLA Anand Singh may have been criticised by many, but Central minister Prahlad Joshi has come in support of his party’s decision.
“Just because he is facing allegations, it doesn’t make him guilty. The charges against him have not yet been proven,” said Joshi adding that the CM used his discretion while distributing the portfolio and Singh will perform his duty as the Forest Minister with all sincerity.
Anand Singh, MLA representing Vijayanagar of ore-rich Ballari is facing at least 15 charges of illegal mining and forest encroachment and yet he has been given Forest portfolio.
However, the CM had initially given him Food and Civil Supplies, but as per sources, an angry Singh remained hellbent on getting Forest portfolio.
The CM relented and gave him the portfolio of his choice, say sources.
The claim has been refuted by Singh, who said that he did not ask for the portfolio of his choice and that the charges against him as just like ‘traffic violations’.
