Opposition parties, including the Left and TDP, demanded a CBI probe into the illegal mining activities in Karnataka and an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.

After holding meetings with top leaders of RLD, CPI(M) and CPI, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu accused the Reddy brothers and their Obulapuram Mining Company of indulging in illegal mining activities and using the "ill-gotten money to influence politics" in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Demanding a CBI probe, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told reporters "we discussed the problem of illegal mining. A loot of our rich mineral resources is taking place and illegal profits are being made out. It is well documented that every rule and law is being broken."

Karat said the CPI(M) would cooperate with other parties to raise the issue at the national level and demand a change in the mining policy of the government.

Naidu, who met CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan and RLD chief Ajit Singh, said the "mining mafia" was "a threat to democracy. We will be happy if the Prime Minister convenes an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of illegal mining. But if that does not happen, we will call an all-party meeting between December 7 and 10."

Reacting to the issue, the RLD chief said "the mining mafia is capable of subverting governments", indicating the recent political turmoil in the BJP government in Karnataka.