The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded the immediate removal of Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena from the Council of Ministers, accusing him of being involved in minor mineral theft. BJD spokesperson Dr. Lenin Mohanty claimed that incidents of sand and mining theft have surged since the BJP took power in the state. The party alleges that these thefts are happening under the ruling party’s protection, leading to a significant drop in mineral revenues.
Referring to a decline in revenue from minor and major minerals, Mohanty highlighted that the theft, allegedly supported by the government, has caused substantial financial losses. Despite the BJD’s repeated alerts to the state government and calls for strict action, no effective measures have been taken. Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids in Ganjam district revealed connections between the Mines Minister’s representative and theft activities, as per the BJD spokesperson.
The ED operation exposed the involvement of the Mines Minister’s representative in sand theft, leading to demands for Jena’s immediate dismissal from the Council of Ministers. The BJD challenges Chief Minister Majhi to demonstrate his leadership by removing Jena in light of the alleged theft revelations.
