Is Odisha's Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena Involved in Mineral Theft?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, the Opposition BJD demands the removal of Odisha's Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena, citing his alleged involvement in mineral theft. This comes after recent ED raids in Ganjam, raising questions about the state's governance and the ruling party's complicity in corruption. What will be the repercussions for Jena and the ruling party?
Key Takeaways
- BJD alleges theft of minor minerals by Mines Minister.
- Significant revenue losses reported in the mining sector.
- ED raids uncover potential involvement of government officials.
- Political implications could affect the ruling party's credibility.
- Public accountability remains a critical issue in governance.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday called for the swift dismissal of Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena from the Council of Ministers, accusing him of being implicated in the theft of minor minerals.
During a press conference held in the city, BJD spokesperson and Media Coordinator Dr. Lenin Mohanty claimed that since the BJP assumed power in the state, the incidents of sand and mining theft have escalated significantly.
He stated that the regional party has persistently claimed that this theft is occurring with the backing of the ruling party.
“Due to thefts conducted under government support, revenue from minor minerals, which was at Rs 1,485 crore in 2023–24, has plummeted to Rs 600 crore in 2024–25. Similarly, the revenue from major minerals has dropped from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 34,000 crore,” Mohanty asserted.
The senior BJD leader further noted that while the party has repeatedly alerted the state government about these thefts and sought stringent measures, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
In light of the recent raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the residences of sand and black stone mafias in the Ganjam district, the BJD spokesperson contended that the recent ED actions have revealed that the representative of the Mines Minister was directly involved in the theft.
“A letter signed by the Mines Minister and addressed to the District Collector acknowledges Sunil Patra as his official representative in the Mining, Police, and Court departments. After Sunil Patra's connection to sand theft was uncovered in the ED raid, it has become evident that the minister is directly implicated in this theft,” Mohanty alleged.
The BJD spokesperson urged for the immediate removal of Jena from the Council of Ministers, asserting that the recent ED raids have shed light on his involvement in the theft of minor minerals. He challenged Chief Minister Majhi to dismiss Jena to demonstrate his efficacy.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the allegations against Minister Bibhuti Jena with objectivity. The demand for his resignation highlights the ongoing issues of governance and corruption within the state. The BJD's response reflects a growing concern over the management of natural resources and the need for accountability from public officials.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena?
The BJD has accused him of involvement in the theft of minor minerals, particularly following recent ED raids indicating his representative's connection to these crimes.
What is the BJD's stance on the current situation?
The BJD is demanding Jena's immediate removal from the Council of Ministers, citing a significant decline in revenue from mineral thefts.
How has the government's response been to these allegations?
Despite repeated calls for action from the BJD, the state government has not taken any significant measures to address the allegations.
