Odisha BJP Demands CBI Probe Into 'Rs 9 Lakh Crore Mining Scam', BJD Hits Back Saying 'Web Of Lies'

BJD refuted the allegations saying it is the “habit of BJP” to make such statements and mislead the people.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Coming down heavily on Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in Odisha, Opposition BJP alleged irregularities worth around Rs 9 lakh crore in the state’s mining sector between 2000 and 2014 and demanded a CBI probe into the matter, mews agency PTI reported.

“It is suspected that corruption in mining took place with the knowledge and under the supervision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik,” Opposition leader Jaynarayan Mishra said while addressing a press conference on Wednesday. He claimed the total value of mining irregularities is around Rs 8,97,443 crore.

Demanding a CBI probe into the matter, Mishra further said that he has written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor and chief minister highlighting the alleged irregularities.

According to Mishra, of the 98 leased mines, 47 are running without any forest clearance, around 55 are adversely affecting the rivers, rivulets, flora and fauna, and tribal populations in different parts of Odhisha. He further alleged that there have also been irregularities through excess exploration of minerals from 75 iron ore and manganese mines, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, the ruling party refuted the allegations saying it was the “habit of BJP” to make such statements.

“It is their (opposition) habit of making such statements to mislead people and gain mileage ahead of the upcoming election,” PTI quoted BJD leader and MLA Badrinarayan Patra as saying.

BJD slammed Mishra and said that fearing defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he has resorted to his “web of lies”.

“He (Mishra) left his treatment midway and came back due to approaching elections. Badly defamed for his activities, Mishra very well knows that he will lose badly in the upcoming elections. Fearing impending defeat, Mishra's hallucinations have increased. Conscious and aware people of Sambalpur will not be caught in his web of lies as they know everything,” BJD issued a statement quoting its MLA Rohit Pujari.