Opposition Rakes Up ‘Mining Scam’ In Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly witnessed an uproarious scene on Monday with Opposition BJP and Congress members alleging a massive scam in the mining sector in the state.

Making a statement during Zero Hour, the Leader of the Opposition, Pradipta Naik said, questioned the state government’s move to allow the leasing of a mine to a company that is facing a Vigilance case.

“The state government in collusion with a group of corrupt officials has misappropriated Rs 1 lakh crore by illegally allowing the lease. Though we have apprised the the Chief Minister of this matter, there is no response,” Naik added.

Participating in the debate, the iscussion, leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Narasingha Mishra, accused the state government of incurring a loss of Rs 3,600 crore from nine mines in the last three years.

Refuting the allegations, BJD leader Pratap Deb said the state government has auctioned the mines in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court and the Centre. “Instead of creating ruckus in the House and trying to get political mileage, the Opposition members should place their arguments based on facts,” he said.