Bangalore, Mar 9 (UNI) Leaders of Congress in Karnataka today rejected the State government decision to refer the alleged irregularities in the mining to Lok Ayukta and reiterated their demand for a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Speaking to newsmen here today, Leaders of Opposition in the Legislature N Dharam Singh (Assembly) and H K Patil (Council) and others said it was unfortunate that the judicial probe by Justice U N Bhat would not serve the purpose as it was only a fact finding exercise. The same was the case with the Lok Ayukta too, they felt adding that the winding up of the judicial commission was a loss of face to the government.

On the Cauvery issue, they criticised the government's move to approach the three ways to resolve the dispute and demanded to know the exact advise given by the legal luminaries. The government should have consulted the floor leaders before making any announcement as it was a very sensitive issue, they observed.

On holding election to the post of Chairman in the Legislative Council, Mr Patil said it was a victory for the Congress following a message sent by Governor T N Chaturvedi to hold the election as soon as possible. The government had no other option but to hold the election, he added.

UNI