Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government is facing scathing criticism from the opposition regarding alleged widespread illegal mining of minor minerals across the state.
BJD Spokesperson, Lenin Mohanty, today accused the administration of “obvious collusion” with a “mining mafia” and dismissed the minister’s recent statements as a mere “whitewash.”
Dr.Mohanty’s sharp remarks came as he highlighted a startling decline in state revenue from minor minerals, plummeting from an estimated Rs 1,485 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 to a mere Rs 600 crore in 2024-25.
“This sharp 60% drop in revenue clearly indicates the extent of unchecked illegal mining activities, and the obvious patronage,” Dr.Mohanty emphasized, suggesting a deep-rooted nexus between officials and illegal miners.
According to Dr.Mohanty, the drastic revenue reduction is irrefutable evidence of a “systematic looting” of the state’s natural resources. He further asserted that instead of implementing robust measures to curb these illicit activities, the minister has resorted to “empty proclamations.”
“The deteriorating situation under the Mohan Charan Majhi government within just one year raises serious concerns about Odisha’s future direction,” Dr.Mohanty concluded, expressing profound apprehension. He denounced the administration’s “failure to control illegal mining activities and protect revenue officials” as “deeply troubling,” signaling a potential political showdown on the issue of resource governance and corruption in the state.