A political storm has brewed in Karnataka after Basavaraj Rayareddy, the Economic Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and MLA, wrote a letter to the CM alleging rampant illegal sand mining along the Tungabhadra river banks in Koppal and accusing officials of complicity. In a sharp escalation of the issue, a letter, purportedly from a section of the accused government officials, has surfaced on social media, launching a counter-attack against the CM's advisor.

Advisor's Serious Allegations -

Basavaraj Rayareddy, the Yelburga MLA, wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, making serious accusations against officials and local elected representatives, claiming they are hand-in-glove with the sand mafia.

Rayareddy's letter reportedly demanded the transfer of officials allegedly involved in the illegal sand transport racket, stating that their inaction is causing massive revenue loss to the state exchequer.

He is quoted as alleging that over 200 individuals and officials from the Mines and Geology Department are central to the illegal network, which results in hundreds of truckloads of sand being illegally transported daily from the Tungabhadra river belt.

Officials Launch Counter-Attack? -

The political heat was turned up when a separate, unsigned letter allegedly circulated by the targeted group of officials went viral on social media. This 'counter-letter' contains approximately 20 questions, which are serious accusations directly challenging Rayareddy's own actions and integrity.

The anonymous letter essentially questions the Chief Minister's advisor's credibility, demanding clarification on matters such as whether there were no violations in sand mining carried out in the name of his relatives in the Shirur area, and other alleged irregularities connected to the sand trade. This move, lacking official attribution, has intensified the "letter war" in the district.

BJP Seizes on Controversy -

The matter, which came to light just a couple of days ago, has given the Opposition a fresh line of attack against the ruling Congress government.

State BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra swiftly criticized the government, reportedly tweeting a strong condemnation: "Is any more proof needed that corruption is deep-rooted in this government?" He lashed out, suggesting that the dispute between the CM's own advisor and the officials clearly indicates widespread corruption under the current administration.

The unfolding controversy, involving a senior Congress leader accusing his own government's officials, is expected to heighten political tensions in the state. Also Read: Trump Claims Modi Vows to Curb Russian Oil Purchases During Diwali Call!