TNI Bureau: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accused Odisha Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena of having links to illegal sand mining and demanded his immediate removal from the cabinet.

At a press conference held at Sankha Bhavan, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Dr. Lenin Mohanty alleged that illegal sand, stone, and mineral extraction has increased sharply since the BJP came to power, with the involvement of ruling party leaders and workers. Atalar Escort

The party claimed that recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids in Ganjam district revealed the involvement of the minister’s representative, Sunil Patra, in sand theft. According to BJD, Jena had officially authorized Patra to represent him before the mining, police, and court authorities, making the minister directly accountable.

Dr. Mohanty said illegal mining has led to a significant drop in state revenue. He cited figures showing that revenue from minor minerals fell from ₹1,485 crore in 2023–24 to ₹600 crore in 2024–25, while major mineral revenue declined from ₹50,000 crore to ₹34,000 crore. He also warned that rampant sand theft has caused a rise in construction material prices and worsened road safety and law-and-order conditions.

The BJD criticized the state government for failing to act despite repeated warnings and accused it of encouraging illegal mining. Reacting to Minister Jena’s statement that ED raids target only those involved in wrongdoing, the opposition said such remarks were an attempt to deflect responsibility.

Calling upon Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to prove his commitment to good governance, the BJD demanded the immediate dismissal of Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena from the cabinet.