Is Sand and Stone Theft Flourishing Under BJP Rule in Odisha?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The BJD has raised serious allegations against the BJP government in Odisha, claiming that sand theft is rampant under the patronage of BJP leaders. With a significant drop in revenue from minor minerals, the BJD vows to take action and protect the State's resources. Will this lead to a political showdown in Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- BJD accuses BJP of complicity in sand theft.
- State revenue from minor minerals has drastically declined.
- Protests are planned to address the issue of resource exploitation.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) claimed on Thursday that since the BJP government took charge, there has been a notable surge in sand theft incidents within the State, allegedly supported by BJP ministers and leaders.
The BJD pointed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's directives to district collectors and Superintendents of Police aimed at combating sand theft, suggesting that these instructions reflect a troubling increase in such illicit activities.
During a press briefing at the party's headquarters in Bhubaneswar, party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) President Ipsita Sahu accused BJP officials of complicity in the sand theft occurring throughout the State.
They further alleged that the rampant unregulated sand extraction has led to a significant drop in the State's revenue from minor minerals.
“In the financial year 2023-24, the State garnered Rs 1485 crore in revenue from minor minerals, but in the financial year 2024-25, this figure plummeted to Rs 600 crores. The rise in sand theft, encouraged by BJP leaders and ministers, has made sand a scarce resource in the State, inflating prices and consequently increasing construction costs,” stated Lenin.
The senior BJD official also demanded clarification from the Chief Minister regarding accusations implicating several BJP ministers, party leaders, and the Chief Minister’s Office in extensive sand and stone theft across the State.
BJD leaders asserted that the ongoing turmoil caused by unchecked sand and stone looting is detrimental to the State’s interests.
Stressing that this matter can no longer be overlooked, the leaders announced plans to escalate their protests. They indicated that the BJD would take to the streets in the coming days to safeguard the State’s natural resources.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the gravity of the BJD's allegations against the BJP government in Odisha. The claims of rampant sand theft and declining revenue from minor minerals must be investigated thoroughly. This situation not only affects the state's economy but also poses significant concerns for environmental sustainability. We must remain committed to reporting the truth while upholding the integrity of our natural resources.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations has the BJD made against the BJP government?
The BJD alleges that sand theft has surged under the BJP government, implicating its leaders in these illegal activities.
How has the revenue from minor minerals changed?
The State's revenue from minor minerals has dropped from Rs 1485 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 600 crore in 2024-25.
What actions are BJD leaders planning?
BJD leaders plan to intensify their protests to safeguard the State's natural resources.
